Regardless of what the odds say, Wicked Strong is the city of Boston’s favorite entering Saturday’s Kentucky Derby.
The 3-year-old colt, who is owned by partners from Centennial Farms in Beverly, Mass., originally was named Moyne Spun. But shortly after the Boston Marathon bombing last April, Centennial Farms owner Don Little Jr. wanted to do something to honor the victims and survivors.
Little’s was inspired to rename his horse to something that represented the resilience of the city. His first choice was “Boston Strong,” but that name already was taken by another horse, so he came up with another moniker that captured the city’s unique and enduring spirit: Wicked Strong.
Additionally, Centennial Farms decided to donate 1 percent of the horse’s winnings to The One Fund Boston, which supports the bombing victims and their families. To date, Wicked Strong has raised approximately $7,000, and that number could increase greatly in the near future. Little has pledged to donate 5 percent of the horse’s winnings during the Triple Crown series.
“It’s a neat thing,” trainer Jimmy Jerkens said, per The Associated Press. “Might be an extra force that will help us, if you believe in that kind of stuff.”
After winning the Wood Memorial at 9-1 odds, Wicked Strong is among the favorites at Churchill Downs.
Photo via Twitter/@DerbyContenders
