Orb has given veteran Hall Of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey his first victory in the Kentucky Derby with a come-from-behind win under Joel Rosario.
In the moments before the race on Saturday (Sunday AEST) there was a seven-figure avalanche of betting on Orb who started the 5-1 favourite.
More than $US4.7 million ($A4.61 million) was wagered on Orb of the $36.6 million hold on the race.
“It means everything to me. I’ve always dreamed of this day,” McGaughey said.
“Around the quarter pole (400m) I thought he might win and then when they left the eighth (200m) pole he looked like he might pull himself up but Joel did a good job when he knew the other horses were coming.
“I dreamed of winning this race with this horse, but didn’t think it would happen until he won the Florida Derby.”
Rosario, who won the $10 million Dubai World Cup on Animal Kingdom in March said the race had panned out perfectly.
“It’s awesome,” he said.
“Winning the Dubai World Cup and now this, it’s like I’m having a dream.
“He was relaxed in the race and did exactly what I wanted. I had a perfect trip.”
Long shot Golden Soul was second with Revolutionary third.
