American Pharoah charges down the stretch to clinch Kentucky Derby win
Heavy favorite American Pharoah won the first jewel of this year's Triple Crown in front of a record-setting crowd at Churchill Downs after powering down the stretch in 2:03:02 to capture the 141st running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday.
American Pharoah, who entered the event coming off a pair of dominating prep wins this season, tracked down the early pace ahead of a thrilling sprint out of the final turn to make owner Ahmed Zayat a champion in front of 170,513 racing enthusiasts.
"Pharoah is a freak of nature," Zayat said while watching the race back on replay, "and for the first time, I'm seeing him right now working."
American Pharoah, the pre-race favorite at 5-2, waited to make his move after emerging from the back stretch in third place behind Firing Line and Dortmund. The two horses would finish second and third, respectively.
| POS | HORSE | WIN | PLACE | SHOW |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | American Pharoah | $7.80 | $5.80 | $4.20 |
| 10 | Firing Line | - | $8.40 | $5.40 |
| 8 | Dortmund | - | - | $4.20 |
$2.00 Exacta: 18-10 ($72.60)
$1.00 Trifecta: 18-10-8 ($101.00)
$1.00 Superfecta: 18-10-8-15 ($634.10)
The win secured jockey Victor Espinoza, who rode California Chrome to victory last year, his second straight derby title and third of his career.
"I'm feeling like the luckiest Mexican on Earth," Espinoza celebrated on the broadcast. "He's just an amazing horse."
American Pharoah's trainer Bob Baffert, meanwhile, clinched a double-podium result in Louisville, Ky., with Dortmund's third-place finish. Dortmund, who's also under Baffert's training, appeared to have the edge heading into the back turn before losing steam down the stretch.
Baffert and American Pharoah will continue the quest for the elusive Triple Crown at the Preakness Stakes on May 16. The last horse to win the three marquee races was Affirmed in 1978.