Key takeaways:
- Mage #8, ridden by jockey Javier Castellano, won the 149th Kentucky Derby, despite being a 15-1 shot with only one win in his career.
- Mage ran 1 1/4 miles in 2:01.57, staying close to the lead throughout before finding a second wind down the stretch at Churchill Downs.
- The win was a bright spot in a difficult week for horse racing, showing that the future of the sport is still bright.
The 149th Kentucky Derby was a nerve-wracking day for horse racing fans, as two horses died before the race, raising questions about the future of the sport. However, the race ended on a high note, with Mage #8, ridden by jockey Javier Castellano, taking the victory.
Mage, a 15-1 shot, had only one win in his career, making his victory all the more impressive. He had raised eyebrows with an impressive place finish at the Florida Derby five weeks ago, in a race won by Forte, who was scratched ahead of Saturday’s running. Mage ran 1 1/4 miles in 2:01.57, staying close to the lead throughout before finding a second wind down the stretch at Churchill Downs.
“He’s (Mage) got a lot of heart,” Castellano said moments after crossing the finish line. The victory was a special moment for both Castellano and trainer Gustavo Delgado, who earned their first garland of roses.
The win was a bright spot in a difficult week for horse racing, as the string of horse deaths at Churchill Downs had raised questions about the future of the sport. However, Mage’s victory showed that the future of horse racing is still bright, with talented horses and jockeys continuing to compete.
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