Mystik Dan received by photograph end on the a hundred and fiftieth operating of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, however the historic second did not come with out controversy.
Down the stretch run, second-place finisher Sierra Leone and Japanese horse Eternally Younger engaged in what seemed to be authorized bumping. Nevertheless, replays created a legitimate argument {that a} foul probably occurred.
In the end, a foul declare did not happen, stunning many across the horseracing neighborhood.
Responding to the temporary point out of a attainable foul on the race’s broadcast, longtime horseracing columnist Bruce Clark chimed in, saying a declare “Ought to have been” made. Likewise, former jockey Jose L. Verenzuela made the identical argument, calling for Eternally Younger to be promoted to second place whereas additionally questioning whether or not jockey Ryusei Sakai was conscious he might contend {that a} foul was dedicated.
Even with out a declare towards Sierra Leone jockey Tyler Gaffalione, others argued that it should not have mattered. Peter T. Fornatale of Sky Sports activities was one in every of many surprised by the dearth of an inquiry, sharing the opinion that the observe stewards ought to’ve made the decision for Sakai and Eternally Younger.
It’s unclear how the contact between Sierra Leone and Eternally Younger might have impacted Saturday’s unbelievable photograph end. Regardless, the second will without end be overshadowed by the winner, Mystik Dan.
Not solely did the 16-1 odds shot win the race, nevertheless it secured historical past for coach Kenny McPeek. Coupled with Mystik Dan’s Derby victory and McPeek’s horse Thorpedo Anna’s win on the Kentucky Oaks on Friday, he turned solely the fourth coach ever to comb each races and the primary since 1952.
