Mage won the 149th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, Louisville on Saturday, winning at 15-1 odds.
Two Phil led by at least one length into the final straightaway. A huge pack of thoroughbreds followed behind.
Mage climbed to the top of the group from the outside. He took a few steps and was already past Two Phils.
Mage wins the Kentucky Derby!! 🏆#KyDerby pic.twitter.com/mNdxr9qa8N
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) May 6, 2023
Angel of Empire was able to make a late move, but it was not enough. Mage and Javier Castellano won in 2:01.57. Angel of Empire finished third, while Two Phil’s came in second.
The race was not without controversy. Seven horses died during the week before the race. Two of them were in the Derby Undercard. Wild on Ice was expected to be one of the horses that ran in the Derby.
Churchill Downs Incorporated has suspended Saffie Jr., the trainer of two horses that died at the track in recent days.
Forte, the morning-line favorite, was one of the five horses that were removed from the race just hours before it began. Five horses have been scratched for the Kentucky Derby for the first time in 36.
In an interview with FanDuel TV, Mike Repole, Forte’s co-owner, stated that “This is part of racing and it’s a cruel part.”
Preakness Stakes is the next leg in the Triple Crown and will be held on May 20th, 2019 in Baltimore.
