Trainer Ken McPeek, after winning the Kentucky Oaks with Thorpedo Anna, achieved a rare double by also winning the Kentucky Derby with Mystik Dan, defying the odds and making history as the first to win both races in the same year since 1952, with jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. also securing a historic double win.
– ‣ Trainer Ken McPeek achieved a rare double by winning both the GI Kentucky Derby with Mystik Dan and the GI Kentucky Oaks with Thorpedo Anna, a feat not accomplished since 1952 by Ben Jones.
– ‣ Jockey Brian Hernandez also completed the Oaks-Derby double, the first to do so since Calvin Borel in 2009, highlighting the exceptional teamwork and preparation behind these victories.
– ‣ Mystik Dan, a Kentucky-bred colt by Goldencents, demonstrated remarkable resilience and skill by winning the 150th Kentucky Derby, marking a significant pedigree achievement for Goldencents as the first son of Into Mischief to sire a Derby winner.
#3 Mystik Dan takes the 150th Kentucky Derby! #KentuckyDerby150 #KYDerby150
🎥 #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/hYbi8AghlB
— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) May 4, 2024
In the heart of Louisville, KY, there was a buzz that couldn’t be ignored. Trainer Ken McPeek had a gleam in his eye, a sort of unshakeable confidence. After Thorpedo Anna clinched the GI Kentucky Oaks victory, he was all but shouting from the rooftops. His Derby horse, Mystik Dan, was next. “Could very well jump up and win, too,” he said. It sounded like a stretch, a wild dream even. After all, pulling off a Kentucky Derby and Oaks double hadn’t been done since 1952. That’s a historical tidbit for you, courtesy of Ben Jones and his champions, Real Delight and Hill Gail.
But, guess what? Against all odds, history was rewritten. The Kentucky-bred colt, Mystik Dan, did exactly what McPeek hoped. He won, edging out Sierra Leone by just a whisker. “For three weeks, I felt like we were going to win both races,” McPeek shared, a mix of disbelief and pride in his voice. The team, the horses, the co-owners Lance and Sharilyn Gasaway – it was a perfect storm of positivity, effort, and, let’s not forget, two incredibly talented horses.
Brian Hernandez, the jockey, was on cloud nine. Making history, he snagged the double, a feat not achieved since Calvin Borel in 2009. “It’s unbelievable,” he gushed, still processing the magnitude of the weekend’s victories. The gratitude poured out of him, especially towards the barn crew. Their dedication was a crucial piece of this puzzle, ensuring the horses were primed for their moments of glory.
Derby Day itself was a rollercoaster. The weather was gloomy, the atmosphere thick with humidity – not exactly picture-perfect. But as the day unfolded, the sun broke through. Mystik Dan, cool as a cucumber, seemed unfazed by the pomp and pressure. From post three, he was a vision of focus, his odds of 18-1 not reflecting the storm he was about to unleash on the track.
The race was a nail-biter. Mystik Dan, keeping close to the leaders, waited for his moment. Sierra Leone and Forever Young were hot on his heels, making their moves in the final stretch. But Mystik Dan, with Hernandez’s guidance, found that sliver of daylight. He pushed through, maintaining a lead that, by the end, was just enough to claim victory.
Hernandez was in the zone, so much so that the finish line came as a bit of a surprise. “Did we win the Kentucky Derby?” he found himself asking the outrider. Those two minutes, waiting for the official confirmation, felt like an eternity. But yes, they had won. Mystik Dan had triumphed in the 150th Kentucky Derby, a moment of pure elation and a testament to the team’s hard work and belief.
The aftermath was a mix of joy and reflection. For the beaten favorites, it was a tough pill to swallow. Yet, the respect for the effort and the journey was palpable. Every horse, every team, had fought hard. Mystik Dan’s journey to this point was not without its hurdles. A lung infection, a learning curve for McPeek, but every step led to this moment. Skipping the Rebel for a shot at the Arkansas Derby was a calculated risk that ultimately paid off, setting the stage for a fresh run at the Kentucky Derby.
McPeek, now with victories in all three Triple Crown races, couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe. The Hall of Fame might just be calling his name, a thought that gave him goosebumps. Surrounded by legends in the sport, he aspired to reach those heights, driven by a passion for horse racing and a deep respect for the animals and people who make it all happen.
And let’s not forget the pedigree that brought Mystik Dan to this pinnacle. Goldencents, his sire, proving his worth at stud with this Derby win. Mystik Dan’s dam, Ma’am, and her lineage, contributing to a story of potential, realized on the biggest stage in horse racing.
So, there you have it. The 150th Kentucky Derby, a race that will be talked about for years to come. Mystik Dan, from a hopeful contender to a champion, etching his name and those of his team into the annals of horse racing history. What a ride. What a day. Derby dreams, indeed, do come true.
