Churchill Downs was anything but pleasant as spectators donned umbrella’s and rain coats to keep dry during the running of the 139th Kentucky Derby on Saturday May 4th, 2013. The festive crowd took cover under the iconic Twin Spires and enjoyed the gloomy weather to the best of their abilities as they sipped on mint juleps and chatted up the 19 horses and jockeys participating in the race. Joel Rosario and Orb ultimately galloped to victory in what was a sloppy rendition of the run for the roses.

The Kentucky Derby is the most celebrated and famous race that all owners, trainers and jockeys dream to be a part of during their racing careers. Also known as the “run for the roses” and the first leg of the coveted Triple Crown of racing, it attracts people from all over the world. The competition is intense, the track is long, and the 3 year old athletes (the thoroughbred horses) are put to the test. Every jockey wants to win, but only one comes out the victor, and to the victor goes the spoils; or in this case a beautiful garland of roses draped over the winning horse.

The day’s events seem to fly by… Suddenly, the horses are at the post and before anyone knows it, they’re off! The most exciting two minutes of racing captivates the crowd and Palace Malice takes the lead for the first half of the race. But it’s a long track and as the 19 horses come around to the final stretch Palace Malice tires and begins to fade. The horses that seemed to lag behind were, by no means, slow or lazy… in fact, they were saving their energy and planning a takeover strategy. Jockey Joel Rosario piloted Orb to an outstanding win by doing just that.

Holding a steady position at the back of the pack for most of the first half Rosario and Orb gauged their competition and slowly began to gain momentum, slowly maneuvering through the gaps and gaining strides over the other horses. In the final stretch Golden Soul, Revolutionary and Normandy Invasion were reaching to take the lead, unaware of the silent predator eyeing the finish line from behind them. Galloping on the outside and almost at a diagonal with tremendous stride Orb darted past them at blazing speed right to the wire. It was an adrenaline pumped move right at the finish line and their victory is one Claude R. McGaughey III (trainer) and Stuart Janney III and Dinny Phipps (owners) will not forget.


Fun Fact: Did you know that Dinny Phipps’ late father, Ogden Phipps, was the man that almost owned Secretariat but chose a filly during the coin toss with Penny Chenery Tweedy? Phipps later invested in Secretariat and the legendary colt went on to defy all odds, win the Triple Crown and post record track times that have not been approached to this very day.

Movie Recommendation: “Secretariat” – this movie will inspire you and prove that if you want something bad enough, nothing is impossible.


With the first leg of the Triple Crown under their belt, will Joel Rosario and Orb continue on to win the second leg? We’ll find out in just 12 days when Baltimore’s Pimlico Racetrack hosts the 138th running of the Preakness Stakes. Make sure to tune in on Saturday May 18th to read all about it.