Mage Comes From Behind to Win Kentucky Derby

In just his fourth race, 15-1 shot Mage came from behind down the stretch to beat Two Phils to win the 149th Kentucky Derby on May 6th. Mage crossed the finish line with a time of 2:01.57. Jockey Javier Castellano, a member of the Horse Racing Hall of Fame who has won a number of big races in his career, finally added a Kentucky Derby to his list of victories after 15 losses. Angel of Empire was third.

Early favorite Forte was scratched the morning of the race, joining four others that had been scratched in the last week. Tragically, seven horses died from injuries during race week, including two on May 6th in other races run before the Derby.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Secretariat’s Triple Crown, which began with victory at the Kentucky Derby. Secretariat’s record winning time was 1:59.40. That record still stands a half century later.