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American Pharoah wins Kentucky Derby

American Pharoah, ridden by Victor Espinosa and trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert, won the 141st Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky on Saturday.

Going off at betting odds of 5-2, American Pharoah tracked stablemate Dortmund and Firing Line for most of the 10-furlong trip on dirt, before making his move coming off the final turn for the 2-furlong stretch drive.

The rest of the 21 strong field absolutely had no chance, as the top three dominated the race from start to finish. Dortmund dug in against the rail once they straightened for home, but Firing Line ridden by Hall of Famer Gary Stevens came charging on the outside just as American Pharoah made his bid.

The two pulled away from Dortmund who was third best at this stage, and Amercan Pharoah under strong urging from Espinosa stayed on strongly to hold off Firing Line by a length.

It was American Pharoah's 5th win in six career starts, and he became the second 2-year-old champion to go on and win the Kentucky Derby. American  Pharoah became the 3rd consecutive favourite to win the Kentucky Derby.

Jockey Victor Espinosa won his 3rd Kentucky Derby overall, and became the 6th jockey in the history of the race to win back to back Derbies. He joins Calvin Borel 2009-1010; Eddie Delahoussaye 1982-83; Ron Turcotte 1972-73; Jimmy Winkfield 1901-1902; and Isaac Murphy 1890-1891.

It was Baffert's 4th Kentucky Derby winner, and the first since 2002, thirteen years ago. He joins a select band of trainers with 4 Derby wins. They are Hall of famer D.Wayne Lukas and Herbert Thompson.

The colt is owned by Egyptian born Ahmed Zayat who is a naturalised American citizen. Zayat finished second three times in the Derby with Pioneer of the Nile in 2003; Nehro in 2011 and Bodemeister in 2012.

A record crowd of 170, 513 people turned out under the twin spires at Churchill Downs for its 141st installment.



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