The 2023 Kentucky Derby took place on May 6th, 2023, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The race was the 149th edition of the prestigious event, and it featured some of the best three-year-old thoroughbreds from around the world. In this article, we will recap the race and the winner, Mage.
The Race
The Kentucky Derby is a 1 1/4 mile race that is known as the “Run for the Roses.” The race is the first leg of the Triple Crown, which also includes the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.
The 2023 Kentucky Derby featured a field of 20 horses, including some of the top contenders in the sport. The early favorite was Angel of Empire, who was coming off a win at the Florida Derby. Other top contenders included Two Phls, Ruler of the Nile, and Midnight Rider.
The race got off to a clean start, with all 20 horses jockeying for position. As the race progressed, Angel of Empire took the lead and looked to be in control. However, Mage made a strong push down the stretch and managed to overtake Angel of Empire in the final furlong.
The Winner: Mage
Mage, ridden by jockey Javier Castellano, was the surprise winner of the 2023 Kentucky Derby. The horse was not considered one of the top contenders leading up to the race, but it put on a strong showing in the final stretch to win by a length.
Mage is trained by Bob Baffert, who has now won his seventh Kentucky Derby. Baffert is one of the most successful trainers in the sport, and his horses have won numerous Triple Crown races over the years.
What’s Next
With the Kentucky Derby now in the books, attention will turn to the Preakness Stakes, which will take place in two weeks. Mage will be one of the favorites heading into the race, but there are several other top contenders who could give the horse a run for its money.
The Preakness Stakes is a 1 3/16 mile race that is held at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. The race is the second leg of the Triple Crown, and it will take place on May 20th, 2023.
Conclusion
The 2023 Kentucky Derby was an exciting race that featured some of the top three-year-old thoroughbreds in the world. Mage emerged as the surprise winner, beating out Angel of Empire and Two Phls to claim victory in the “Run for the Roses.” With the Preakness Stakes just around the corner, the horse racing world will be eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this year’s Triple Crown.
