Does it again!
with
Arcangelo!
Javier Castellano and Gustavo Delgado, both renowned figures in their sport, had experienced a series of absences on the first Saturday of May. At 45 years old, Hall of Fame jockey Castellano had been receiving fewer rides lately and had a 0 for 15 record in Derby attempts. Meanwhile, Delgado, a distinguished winner of the Caribbean Triple Crown thrice, had an 0 for 3 record. Upon coming to the United States, Delgado's foremost aspiration was to participate in the Kentucky Derby, an ambition that was visibly moving for him.
On the racetrack, Venezuelan jockey Junior Alvarado joined the duo in celebration, as Castellano lovingly patted his horse. Describing his mount, Castellano remarked, "He's a little horse with a big heart." The Venezuelan pair was surrounded by jubilant compatriots proudly waving their national flag.
He's a little horse with a big heart.
2023 Kentucky Derby full finishing order: Mage (15-1) Two Phil’s (9-1) Angel of Empire (7-2) Disarm (26-1) Hit Show (24-1) Derma Sotogake (8-1) Tapit Trice (9-2) Raise Cain (32-1) Rocket Can (27-1) Confidence Game (20-1) Sun Thunder (32-1) Mandarin Hero (18-1) Reincarnate (14-1) Kingsbarns (11-1) King Russell (31-1) Verifying (14-1) Jace’s Road (32-1) Cyclone Mischief (28-1) |
What does the winner of the Kentucky Derby get?
The purse for the 2023 Kentucky Derby is $3 million. The race winner gets 60 percent of that, or $1.86 million. The total purse has been $3 million since 2019. Here is how today’s top-five finishers will divide the purse:
First place finish: $1.86 million Second place finish: $600,000 Third place finish: $300,000 Fourth place finish: $150,000 Fifth place finish: $90,000 |
Mage's win was hard-earned, finishing a length ahead of Two Phil's, while the 4-1 favorite Angel of Empire came in third. With only three starts and one win in his maiden race, Mage's victory was truly a surprising upset. The horse is owned by a collective of fans who can purchase shares for as little as $50, making it a publicly owned racehorse. At the Kentucky Derby, 391 proud owners of Mage were present, sporting hats and cheering on their beloved horse.
For both Castellano and Venezuelan trainer Gustavo Delgado, this victory marked their first ever Kentucky Derby win. The emotional triumph brought both men to tears, with Delgado reflecting on how, when he first arrived in the United States, his dream was to participate in the prestigious race. Now, not only has he achieved that dream, but he's also won it.
Mage's heartwarming victory came at a much-needed time for horse racing, as the sport has faced significant challenges recently.
With a total of seven horses either euthanized or dying at Churchill Downs since April 27, and five horses scratched from the Derby, Mage's win provided a beacon of hope and celebration for the racing community.
As Mage's story continues, we can't help but feel inspired by the horse's determination, the unwavering support of its many owners, and the unrelenting dedication of both its jockey and trainer.
This victory has truly shown us the power of perseverance, the beauty of horse racing, and the magic that can happen when dreams come true.
Frequently Asked Questions
A jockey is a professional athlete who rides horses in horse racing events, typically working with trainers and owners to ensure the best possible performance from the horse. They are responsible for guiding the horse during the race, making split-second decisions, and using their skill and experience to maximize the horse's potential.
A jockey agent is responsible for managing the jockey's career, negotiating contracts, and finding suitable racing opportunities. They work closely with trainers, owners, and other racing professionals to secure the best rides for their jockey, helping them to achieve success on the racetrack.
To learn more about jockeys and agents, visit https://jockeyandagents.weebly.com/. This website offers in-depth information, articles, and resources to help you better understand the world of horse racing, jockeys, and their agents.
Amid the vibrant Kentucky Derby fashion, with a mint julep in hand, we celebrate the history of the Run for the Roses at Churchill Downs, where contenders become legends and Derby winners etch their names in Triple Crown glory.