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The 150th Kentucky Derby ended in a nail-biter with a three-horse photo finish, the closest since 1947. The long-anticipated victory was seized by Mystik Dan who fought off two challengers, Sierra Leone and Forever Young, in the final stretch. Sierra Leone, valued at $2.3 million was the priciest contender in the race.
Mystik Dan, an unforeseen victor at 18-1 odds, managed to slip through a gap left by Track Phantom, and sprang ahead of the rest. Commenting on the victorious strategy, jockey Hernandez explained how he seized the unexpected opportunity to steer Mystik Dan through the opening, which resulted in a winning advantage.
As the race reached a thrilling climax, Sierra Leone and Forever Young relentlessly pursued Mystik Dan. Sierra Leone created some controversy by bumping Forever Young thrice, though no foul was claimed.
The nail-biting conclusion of the race became official only after a suspense-filled delay while officials carefully analyzed the photo finish. Mystik Dan carved his name in history as the horse who won the Derby by a mere nose width, a feat last seen in 1996.
The triumphant jockey and trainer pocketed $3.1 million, a handsome 10% of the record $5 million purse. Hernandez, who teamed up with trainer McPeek for the victory, had previously collaborated for a winsome performance in the Kentucky Oaks.
The Derby was attended by 156,710 people, the largest crowd since 2018. Sierra Leone came a close second, followed by Forever Young from Japan who ended up in third place. The entire course was covered by Mystik Dan in 2:03.34 on a fast track.
The proud owners of Mystik Dan are Cousins Lance and Brent Gasaway and Daniel Hamby III, all based in Arkansas. McPeek praised the victory achieved by what he referred to as a “working-class horse”, highlighting the ordinary pedigree of Mystik Dan. Sierra Leone earned $6.54 and $4.64, while Forever Young made $5.58.
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