Hall of Fame American jockey Javier Castellano finally won the race that had eluded him 16 previous times, the 149th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. The champion jockey rode the perfect race aboard 15/1 outsider MAGE who came from near last to claim the 1st leg of the USA Triple Crown Series
“I never give up; I always try hard, took a lot to get here I finally get it,” said Castellano. “I’m blessed. Thank you for the opportunity to run this horse, that has a lot of heart.”
MAGE defeated 9/1 chance TWO PHIL’S, who came in second ahead of the 7/2 favourite ANGEL OF JAPAN, charging home for third in a time of 2:01.57 for the 2000m race.
The Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown, will be run on May 20 at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, followed by the Belmont Stakes three weeks later on June 10.
