In a nail-biting 150th edition of the Grade 1, $5 million Kentucky Derby, Mystik Dan etched his name into racing history with a thrilling victory in a three-way photo finish at Churchill Downs. Trained by Kenny McPeek and expertly ridden by jockey Brian Hernandez Jr., Mystik Dan clinched a landmark Oaks-Derby double, marking a feat unseen since 1952.
The drama unfolded beneath the iconic Twin Spires, where Mystik Dan’s victory capped off a remarkable weekend for the McPeek-Hernandez duo, who also triumphed in the Kentucky Oaks with Thorpedo Anna. The rarity of their achievement was not lost on observers, with Mystik Dan becoming only the fourth-ever trainer to secure the coveted Oaks-Derby double in the same year.
But the road to victory was fraught with suspense, as a dramatic photo finish ensued, casting uncertainty over Mystik Dan’s triumph. In a race that saw the closest finish since 1996, Mystik Dan’s narrow victory by a nose margin sealed his place in Derby lore.
Facing stiff competition from Sierra Leone and Forever Young, Mystik Dan defied the odds, prevailing as the underdog with 18-1 odds. Despite the intense pressure, he hugged the rail to clinch the win, leaving Sierra Leone to claim second place and Forever Young to settle for a valiant third.
The historic significance of Mystik Dan’s win reverberated throughout the racing world, with his owners – Lance Gasaway, 4 G Racing (Brent Gasaway), Daniel Hamby, and Valley View Farm – savoring their first taste of Derby glory. Bred in Kentucky and sired by Goldencents, Mystik Dan’s journey to victory showcased his resilience and talent on the track.
As the jubilant celebrations ensued, Mystik Dan’s triumph marked a crowning moment in his racing career, elevating him to legendary status in the annals of the sport. With his maiden win at Churchill Downs last November serving as a precursor to his Derby triumph, Mystik Dan’s ascent to greatness was complete.
Amidst the euphoria of Mystik Dan’s victory, the Derby Day festivities shattered records, with a record-breaking attendance of 156,710 spectators and unprecedented wagering totaling $320.5 million. The historic milestone underscored the enduring allure of the Kentucky Derby and its enduring legacy in the world of horse racing.
With the second leg of the Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes, looming on the horizon, speculation abounds over Mystik Dan’s next move. Will he continue his quest for racing immortality, or will the weight of expectations prove too great? Only time will tell as Mystik Dan’s remarkable journey unfolds on the hallowed turf of Churchill Downs.