Animal Kingdom sped past the leaders at the turn at Churchill Downs on Saturday and roared down the middle of the straight to win the Kentucky Derby.
Jockey John Velazquez guided the three-year-old colt who finished ahead of Nehro and Mucho Macho Man. Favourite Dialed In was never a factor.
The victory is the first Derby win for trainer Graham Motion and provided redemption for Velazquez, who was set to ride Uncle Mo before the horse was scratched due to a lingering stomach problem.
Velazquez replaced Robby Albarado on the winner after Albarado broke his nose earlier in the week.
Animal Kingdom went off as a 20-1 long shot for his first race on dirt.
Velazquez deftly kept Animal Kingdom out of trouble in the 19-horse field and the colt covered the 2000 metres in 2:02.04.
“It’s words that you can’t describe,” Velazquez said.
“But I do really feel really bad for Robby. I hope he’s winning the Derby with me here. I know he got hurt so this is for both of us, buddy. I know you’re not on it, but I know you’re with me.”
Arkansas Derby winner Archarcharch left the track with a leg injury and was taken for X-rays.
