Distinguished double act realizes Derby dream
LOUISVILLE, Kentucky — A trainer and jockey accustomed to success. A headstrong horse with a mind of its own. Together, they harnessed their collective talents to win the Kentucky Derby.
Always Dreaming splashed through the slop for a 2 and 3/4-length victory on Saturday, giving trainer Todd Pletcher and rider John Velazquez their second wins in the race but their first together.
The New York-based duo has teamed up often over the years and is the sport’s leading money winners. On their own, they were a combined 2 for 63 coming into America’s greatest race.
Joining forces, they were unbeatable on a cool and rainy day at Churchill Downs.
“We have had a great relationship for a long time now, and we have won a lot of races together,” Pletcher said. “This is the one we wanted to win together.”
Sent off at 9-2 odds, Always Dreaming made it the fifth straight year that a Derby favorite has won, equaling the longest stretch since 1892-1896.
He was followed across the finish line by a pair of long shots: 33-1 Lookin At Lee and 40-1 Battle of Midway.
Always Dreaming ran 1 and 1/4 miles in 2:03.59 on the first off-track since Orb won in 2013. He paid $11.40, $7.20 and $5.80.
“This is the best horse Todd and I have ever come to the Kentucky Derby with,” Velazquez said. “Being behind me for 24 years together, a long time for him to still trust in me and give me the opportunity, it’s not very often it happens in this business.”
Lookin At Lee returned $26.60 and $18.20, while Battle of Midway was another five lengths back in third and paid $20.80 to show.
Pletcher won his first Derby in 2010 with Super Saver; Velazquez won the following year with Animal Kingdom.
Rarely one to show his emotions, Pletcher admitted being teary-eyed behind his sunglasses.
Going into his 17 th Derby, Pletcher saddled the post-time favorite for the first time. Much had been made of his 1 for 45 Derby record.
“It’s becoming a little more respectable now,” said Pletcher, whose 48 starters tied D. Wayne Lukas for the most in Derby history. “It felt like I really needed that second one.”
Velazquez used his colt’s speed out of the gate to get good position early in a chaotic start that saw several horses, including McCraken and Classic Empire, banged around. He steered Always Dreaming into an ideal trip behind pacesetter State of Honor, with mud flying in all directions on a surface that resembled creamy peanut butter.
“We got wiped out at the start. McCraken came and nearly knocked us,” said Mark Casse, who trains Classic Empire. “The track is impossible.”
On the final turn, Always Dreaming took command as State of Honor faded. Despite chasing a quick early pace, Always Dreaming was still full of run. No other horses threatened him down the stretch and Velazquez furiously pumped his right arm as they crossed the finish line.