Global Courant 2023-05-07 04:27:18
Mage sprinted to victory at Saturday’s scratch-filled 149th Kentucky Derby, giving trainer Gustavo Delgado and jockey Javier Castellano their first rosary.
Capping off a sad and tumultuous week at the famous Churchill Downs, the speedster – a grandson of 2007 Preakness champion Curlin and 2008 Derby winner Big Brown – stayed close to the lead throughout before taking a second wind found on the stretch at Churchill Downs.
Mage had raised his eyebrows when he finished impressively at the Florida Derby five weeks ago, in a race won by Forte, the day’s favourite, but Forte had a lead going into Saturday’s race.
“He has (Mage) a lot of heart,” said Castellano shortly after crossing the finish line. “He is a small horse, but (has) a big heart.”
Delgado, who, like Castellano, is from Venezuela, could barely speak after his horse won.
“When I came to the States, my first dream (was) to go to the Kentucky Derby!” Delgado said as a member of his entourage joyfully waved a Venezuelan flag behind him.
Mage went 15-1, the eighth most popular bettors pick in the field of 18. A $2 win bet returned $32.42.
Mage’s path to Triple Crown glory will now run through Baltimore, where the 148th edition of the Preakness is scheduled for May 20 Pimlico Racecourse.
The Belmont Stakesthe last jewel of the holy trinity of horse racing, takes place on June 10, just outside New York City.
The Derby went off under cloud cover at Churchill Downs on Saturday as seven horses have died there in the past week, including Derby hopefuls Game on ice.
In Saturday’s second race The dream of 3-year-old Chloe suffered a right knee injury and was euthanized, trainer Jeff Hiles told The Associated Press. In Race 8, Freezing Point suffered a left ankle injury and was dropped, trainer Joe Lejzerowicz told the AP.
The deaths led to the indefinite suspension from trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. in what Churchill Downs Incorporated called the “highly unusual sudden death” of two of its horses.
The Joseph-trained Lord Miles was scheduled to run in the Derby, but he did scratched by the suspension.
The deaths renewed concerns about the sport’s safety record and the treatment of horses.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), a longtime critic of horse racing, said this week that thoroughbreds “don’t give permission” to their careers as racers and are “forced to sprint – often under the threat of whips and even illegal electric shocks – at speeds so high that they often sustain injuries and even pulmonary bleeds.”
Hours before the race, morning line favorite Forte was scratched for a bruised right foot. Forte was the fifth horse to retire late from the race.
There haven’t been so many Derby scratches since 1936, when five runners withdrew just before the race.
This is a to develop story. Check back later for updates.
