LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Animal Kingdom sped past the leaders in the turn at Churchill Downs on Saturday and roared down the middle of the stretch to win the Kentucky Derby.
Jockey John Velazquez guided the 3-year-old colt, who finished ahead of Nehro and Mucho Macho Man. Favorite 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 longshot in the lightly regarded field.