LOUISVILLE, Ky. – California Chrome pulled away down the stretch for a dominant win at the 140th Kentucky Derby on Saturday at Churchill Downs.
Taking charge at the top of the lane, California Chrome and jockey Victor Espinoza made a decisive move and quickly sprinted clear. They finished the 11/4 miles in 2:03.66.
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The 5-2 favorite stretched his winning streak to five and Art Sherman, 77, became the oldest winning Derby trainer.
In a game dominated by millionaires and billionaires, this was a victory for the little guys. Owners Perry Martin and Steve Coburn bred an $8,000 mare to a $2,500 stallion to win the world’s most famous race with their one-horse stable.
California Chrome had an ideal trip in the 19-horse field. Espinoza had him sitting comfortably in third as Uncle Sigh and Chitu set the pace.
California Chrome made his move on the final turn in tandem with Samraat. It looked like those two would decide the outcome, until California Chrome found another gear and sped away, winning by 13/4 lengths.
Long shot Commanding Curve rallied for second, with Danza third. Wicked Strong was fourth.
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