LOUISVILLE, KY – Medina Spirit fought back after briefly relinquishing the lead to Mandaloun in the stretch to post a half-length to win the 147th running of the $3 million Kentucky Derby (G1) presented by Woodford Reserve before a crowd of 51,838. This was Bob Baffert’s record setting 7th Kentucky Derby win and 4th win for jockey John Valazquez.
“Every time I asked him to give more he kept fighting on. You couldn’t ask for more of a horse. When you ride a horse like this who is competitive you can’t ask for anything else.” said winning jockey John Valazquez.
Mandaloun, Hot Rod Charlie, Essential Quality (Favorite), O Besos, Midnight Bourbon, Keepmeinmind, Helium, Known Agenda, Highly Motivated, Sainthood, Like the King, Bourbonic, Hidden Stash, Brooklyn Strong, Super Stock, Rock Your World, Dynamic One, Soup & Sandwich completed the order of the 147th Kentucky Derby. King Fury was the lone scratch.
This is Medina Spirit’s 2nd career stakes win which includes his win in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G3). The 3-year-old son of Protonico improves his record to 6-3-3-0 and has now earned $2,175,200 for owners Zendan Racing Stables.
“This little horse coming in here, he’s always shown he’s an overachiever. His heart is bigger than his body. When he turned for home, something just told me. He reminded me of Silver Charm (Baffert’s 1st Derby winner). He doesn’t know how much he cost. He wouldn’t let anyone pass him. Mr. Zedan wanted to come to the Derby with a $45,000 horse. I thought we’d see what happens. This horse, the way he ran, I didn’t know he had it in him. Johnny Velazquez is unbelievable. He’s so cool. He told me last night not to underestimate this horse. He’s better than you think.” said winning trainer Bob Baffert.
Medina Spirit returned $26.20 to win, $12.00 to place, and $7.60 to show.
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