American Pharoah Wins Kentucky Derby 141

Zayat Stables’ American Pharoah Wins Kentucky Derby

By: Claudia Lorena

Churchill Downs saw a record crowd, on Saturday, May 2nd, for the 141st running of the Kentucky Derby, Presented By YUM! Brands. Just over 170,000 spectators, eager to watch one of the most talented crops of three-year-olds run for the roses, packed into the grandstand to watch American Pharoah gallop to a one-length victory over Firing Line.
“He has been a special horse since the first time I rode him,” said jockey Victor Espinoza. “He has a lot of talent and is just an unbelievable.”

The 5-2 morning line favorite got off to a great start, settling into third, where he remained for the majority of the race. On the first turn he was pushed out wide by Firing Line and on the far turn was a good length behind. “Turning for home, I started riding a little harder,” Espinoza explained. “At the eighth pole, I just couldn’t put [Firing Line] away, but [American Pharoah] got it done.”

Last year, Espinoza won the Kentucky Derby aboard California Chrome. This year, he returned to the winner’s circle with Zayat Stables’ American Pharoah. “Today, I just finally let him run, for once, since I’ve been riding him… I am very happy.”

The win is a special one for each of the colt’s connections as well. Victor Espinoza celebrates his third derby victory, but this win makes him only the sixth jockey to win two consecutive times in the 141-year-history of the Kentucky Derby.

Last week, EverythingEq’s Natalie Rietkerk asked Espinoza what it would mean to him to win two back-to-back derbies. “I cannot even begin to explain what it would mean to me to win two in a row,” he told Rietkerk. “It would make me so happy; it would mean the world to me.”

The Woodford Reserve couldn’t have set things up more perfectly for Espinoza. One race prior to the Derby, riding for Donegal Racing, Espinoza was aboard Finnegan’s wake for a thrilling stretch drive that required a photo finish that later confirmed Espinoza and Finn the winners. No jockey to win the Woodford had ever gone on to win the Kentucky Derby in the same day. Well, Espinoza adds yet another major accomplishment to his resume, becoming the first jockey in history to do just that.

Victor Espinoza is one of the most hard-working jockeys out there. When he is not riding races, he is meeting with trainers and owners, exercising horses, working out and sometimes even playing the stock market. Today, his efforts have taken form and all of the hard-work has is paying off.

“I feel like the luckiest Mexican on Earth,” expressed an overjoyed Espinoza.

The win was another milestone for trainer Bob Baffert, who adds a fourth Kentucky Derby victory to his resume. “Since their last works, I was hearing how good they were,” he said. “I was just hoping it would all come true.” And, it did.

“I’m so grateful to have these horses. I’m so happy for my family. My [sons] are here and the Zayats finally got their race. [Justin and Ahmed Zayat] both had a lot of confidence in me. They sent me that horse, and I am so gratefully for them.”

When asked how he felt about American Pharoah’s win, Baffert said, “It’s such a privilege to even have a horse to come here with. I’m so lucky to be in this position. American Pharoah and Dortmund, they ran their races and American Pharoah… he makes a trainer really look good. Thank god for great horses.”

In the winner’s circle, Ahmed Zayat was on cloud nine as he was presented with the trophy. “I am truly speechless,” expressed Ahmed Zayat. “It is very emotional. This is one special horse. We are very privileged to have a fantastic trainer and fantastic team and it is truly a dream come true.”

The morning of the Kentucky Derby got off to a concerning start for the connections of International Star. Shortly after witnessing the colt jog in the shedrow of their barn they noticed he was not moving right. Moments later International Star was scratched due to a hoof issue.

“It’s a devastating blow to come this far,” expressed, owner, Ken Ramsey. “I thought we had a decent shot at winning the race, but it happened to A.P. Indy and a lot of other horses before. It’s bad news for the owners and the family that pinned so many hopes on finally getting to the [winner’s circle].”

Regarding the scratch, Ramsey said, “The state vet got there this morning to check him out and did not like the way he jogged down the shedrow. Our blacksmith took the left-front shoe off and there was definitely some heat on the inside quarter. Something’s brewing in there, probably an abscess.” Though International Star’s Kentucky Derby was derailed, his prognosis is a good one and, with a little rest, is expected to return to racing in time for the Preakness – where the Ramsey’s are hoping to run next.

Approximately one hour before the start of the Kentucky Derby, American Pharoah was brought out next to stablemate and biggest threat, Dortmund. Ears pricked forward, calm and collected the two favorites eyed one and other down, sizing each other up and putting on a good show. Next to an impressive 17.1-hand Dortmund, American Pharoah – the 5-2 morning line favorite – looked to be a good hand smaller than the big chestnut that towered to his right. Both Baffert-trained colts received a refreshing bath in front of a large group of photographers, journalists, friends and family.

Then came the announcement over the loud speaker, “All Kentucky Derby horses please head over to the track.” The excitement was building with every passing minute as hundreds of people followed the horses to the chute, in preparation for the walkover to the paddock.

The walkover begins, the crowd catches sight of the horses, and the roar from the grandstand builds to a crescendo. It’s loud, powerful and surreal. Then, amidst the cheers and applause, the thought hits. Some people wait their entire lives for the opportunity of having a horse run in the Kentucky Derby, and for most, this opportunity will remain an elusive pursuit; a dream – longed for, but never realized. The connections associated with these horses have spent hours upon hours preparing for this moment, and while the prep takes place over several months, this big moment is much too short; in the blink of an eye, it’s come and gone, and you almost wish you could hit rewind.

There are many firsts in the Kentucky Derby, but for a horseman – or horsewoman – a first Kentucky Derby experience; a first Kentucky Derby horse; a first Kentucky Derby win, are among the most memorable moments in a lifetime. The chance to travel to Louisville on the first Saturday in May; the chance to have a horse run; the chance to have a horse adorned with roses in the winner’s circle on the biggest stage in horse racing – well, it is one of the biggest accomplishments in our sport, and for the Zayats, this win now becomes a glorious memory. Next stop: The Preakness Stakes.

Photos courtesy of Alex Evers

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