In one of the best finishes in Triple Crown history, Mystic Dan, who had a close record of 18 wins and 1 loss, shocked his hotly anticipated rivals with an incredible three-way photo finish.
Mystic Dan seemed to have control of the race towards the end. However, a fierce and physical battle between No. 2 Sierra Leone and No. 11 Sierra Leone on the outside (6-1) ultimately closed the distance, pushing Mystic Dan to the limit and holding on to finish strongly. On the rail.
Mystic Dan (18-1) wins the 150th Kentucky Derby with a photo finish! #kaiderby
— NBC SportsBet (@NBCSportsBet) May 4, 2024
photograph. Finish. #kaiderby pic.twitter.com/nSwdqkgdA8
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) May 4, 2024
Fierceness, who were favorites to win with 3 wins and 1 loss in the final stages, finished in a very disappointing 15th place.
After the race, Mystic Dan’s trainer Ken McPeek praised his horse and his team.
“I mean, it was ridden by a great, great, great jockey,” McPeak told NBC Sports. “Brian is amazing. He’s probably one of the most underrated riders in racing. Not anymore.”
Ken McPeak, trainer of Kentucky Derby winner Mystic Dan, reflects on his second big win of the weekend. 🏆 #kaiderby pic.twitter.com/dsrMlZLgQx
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) May 4, 2024
Hernandez was similarly eager to achieve his lifelong goal of winning the Derby.
“It’s unbelievable,” Hernandez said. “The few minutes I waited for the call were the longest I’ve ever felt in my life…It’s hard to describe in words.”
Mystic Dan will continue his quest for the Triple Crown in the Preakness Stakes on May 18 at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.
