'Gronkowski' the horse qualifies for Kentucky Derby

A horse named after New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski will be racing in the Kentucky Derby after winning the Burradon Stakes in England on Friday.

Horse owner Kerri Radcliffe of Phoenix Thoroughbreds says the horse was named after the tight end because of her love for the team, as well as the thoroughbred's height.

"I love the New England Patriots and as Rob Gronkowski is (6-foot-5) and about the same wide I thought it would be an appropriate name for the horse as he's built much the same," Radcliffe told David Milnes of the Racing Post in February.

Gronk, the player, will likely get the chance to watch his namesake as the Patriots make their annual trip to the derby.