For many in the horse world, the first Saturday in May is considered a holiday. For those in horse racing, it can only mean one thing: Kentucky Derby Day. It’s the race that every person in the racing industry dreams of winning, and for horse people, it’s probably the race that everyday people in your life reach out to ask which horse is your pick. And if you don’t have a Derby horse yet, don’t worry—we’re taking a look at every horse in the 2025 Kentucky Derby so you can have your pick by the time you’ve finished reading.

The 2025 Kentucky Derby Field

The exciting part about the Kentucky Derby—or any horse race, for that matter—is that any horse that leaves the starting gate can win. The favorite may seem like the obvious pick, but the post-time favorite has not won the Run for the Roses since eventual Triple Crown winner Justify in 2018. In fact, the odds of the official Kentucky Derby winner in the six runnings since 2018 has averaged 35.85-to-1.

Let’s take a look at each horse in the 2025 Kentucky Derby, organized by post position and listed with their morning line odds. With rain in the forecast for Saturday, there are also notes about each horse’s sloppy track aptitude.

1. Citizen Bull (20-1)
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Jockey: Martin Garcia
Race Record: 6 starts: 4 wins, 0 seconds, 1 third
Career Earnings: $1,451,000

Last year’s Champion Two-Year-Old Male after winning the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1), Citizen Bull has not quite replicated his two-year-old form. Though he started the year with a romp in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G3), he finished fourth of five last out in the Santa Anita Derby (G1) in a race won by morning line favorite Journalism. The rail position is not doing him any favors, either. He seems like a horse that wants the lead to himself, but such a position is not so easy to obtain in the Derby. When he’s at his best, he’s one of the most talented in the field, but he does not seem to have matured on the same level as others in this field.

Sloppy Track Potential: Citizen Bull has only raced on a fast track, but he is a son of leading sire Into Mischief, who has had many offspring succeed on a wet track.

2. Neoequos (30-1)
Trainer: Saffie Joseph, Jr.
Jockey: Luis Saez
Race Record: 7 starts: 2 wins, 2 seconds, 2 thirds
Career Earnings: $291,050

Likely to go off at high odds on Saturday, Neoequos has twice been defeated by fellow contender Sovereignty. He’s a horse that appears to want a shorter distance, having been caught in both of his lifetime races over one mile. The 1 ¼-mile distance of the Derby does not seem to be one where he will thrive.

Sloppy Track Potential: Neoequos won his first start of the year on a sloppy track, so track conditions shouldn’t be an issue for him.

3. Final Gambit (30-1)
Trainer: Brad Cox
Jockey: Luan Machado
Race Record: 4 starts: 2 wins, 1 second, 1 third
Career Earnings: $520,639

A last out winner of the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3), which is contested on a synthetic surface, Final Gambit has never made a start on traditional dirt. He’s also faced lesser company than most competitors here, and though he stepped it up in the Jeff Ruby, this is still a big jump in class for him.

Sloppy Track Potential: Having only run on synthetic and turf surfaces, dirt will be an entirely new racing experience for Final Gambit—let alone a sloppy track. However, his sire, Not This Time, achieved the biggest win of his career on a muddy track—at Churchill Downs no less.

4. Rodriguez: SCRATCHED

5. American Promise (30-1)
Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas
Jockey: Nik Juarez
Race Record: 9 starts: 2 wins, 1 second, 1 third
Career Earnings: $444,874

It took American Promise six tries to break his maiden and though he was a runaway winner of the black-type Virginia Derby last out, he was off the board in his two starts against graded stakes company. Long shots have thrived in recent runnings of the Kentucky Derby, but this one would be a surprise.

Sloppy Track Potential: American Promise broke his maiden on a muddy track, but earlier in his career, one of his worst-ever efforts came over a sloppy track.

6. Admire Daytona (30-1)
Trainer: Yukihiro Kato
Jockey: Christophe Lemaire
Race Record: 6 starts: 2 wins, 2 seconds, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $672,047

One of two Japanese-based runners, Admire Daytona narrowly won the UAE Derby (G2) in his last start after leading throughout. He’s yet another that will be fighting for the lead, so he will need to be able to handle the pace pressure. Admire Daytona has proven to have some fight in him, though, and he’ll need to use that weapon in the Derby.

Sloppy Track Potential: Admire Daytona’s racing debut was contested on a muddy track, in which he finished fourth. It seems as though the slop will neither help nor harm his chances.

7. Luxor Cafe (15-1)
Trainer: Noriyuki Hori
Jockey: Joao Moreira
Race Record: 6 starts: 4 wins, 1 second, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $379,057

A son of Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, Luxor Cafe is the strongest of the two Japanese contenders. Winner of his last four starts, including a runaway win in the Fukuryu Stakes, Luxor Cafe has posted some of the most impressive speed figures of this field. This is the toughest competition he’ll have faced, but he certainly has talent.

Sloppy Track Potential: In his second-ever start, Luxor Cafe was only a neck away from winning on a muddy track.

8. Journalism (3-1)
Trainer: Mike McCarthy
Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
Race Record: 5 starts: 4 wins, 0 seconds, 1 third
Career Earnings: $638,880

Meet Journalism, the morning line favorite for the 2025 Kentucky Derby. He has won four straight races, including the Santa Anita Derby (G1) last out, and has some of the best speed figures in the group. It’s tough to find a knock against him, though an obvious point is that he has been facing small fields—which certainly won’t be the case in the Derby. But on ability alone, Journalism is a formidable favorite.

Sloppy Track Potential: Journalism has only raced on a fast track, which could be a concern for the Derby favorite on a sloppy track. However, his sire Curlin won the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) on a very sloppy track in one of his best lifetime performances.

9. Burnham Square (12-1)
Trainer: Ian Wilkes
Jockey: Brian Hernandez, Jr.
Race Record: 6 starts: 3 wins, 1 second, 1 third
Career Earnings: $977,755

Burnham Square was the game winner of the Blue Grass Stakes (G1) in his final Kentucky Derby prep, in which he overcame a poor trip. This bodes well for the traffic troubles most horses face in the Derby. From a speed figure perspective, he’ll need to step it up a bit, but he could be worth a look.

Sloppy Track Potential: Another horse that has only ever experienced fast tracks, Burnham Square’s pedigree does not provide much insight into how he may fare in the mud.

10. Grande: SCRATCHED

11. Flying Mohawk (30-1)
Trainer: Whit Beckman
Jockey: Joseph Ramos
Race Record: 6 starts: 2 wins, 2 seconds, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $295,800

Flying Mohawk was most recently second in the Jeff Ruby Steaks behind Final Gambit and, like that rival, Flying Mohawk has never raced on traditional dirt. He also has only faced company weaker than most of this field, and his speed figures don’t match up. This colt is likely to go off at very high odds.

Sloppy Track Potential: This will be Flying Mohawk’s first dirt start, let alone his first contest on a sloppy track. And with a primarily turf pedigree, it’s difficult to assume his wet track aptitude based on bloodlines.

12. East Avenue (20-1)
Trainer: Brendan Walsh
Jockey: Manuel Franco
Race Record: 5 starts: 2 wins, 1 second, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $654,395

As a two-year-old, East Avenue looked like a top prospect until a lackluster performance in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. He’s never quite returned to his original form, the closest being his narrow second-place finish last out in the Blue Grass Stakes. It would require a huge jump in effort from East Avenue to cross the wire first.

Sloppy Track Potential: East Avenue has only ever raced on fast tracks, but offspring of Medaglia d’Oro typically don’t mind the mud.

13. Publisher (30-1)
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr.
Race Record: 7 starts: 0 wins, 2 seconds, 3 thirds
Career Earnings: $407,756

Yes, it’s true—Publisher has never even won a race. Second behind Sandman in the Arkansas Derby (G1) last time, that was one of only two times the son of American Pharoah finished better than third. He’s training well, but this is a huge ask.

Sloppy Track Potential: Again, Publisher has never won a race, but he did finish a decent third on a sloppy track as a two-year-old.

14. Tiztastic (20-1)
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Jockey: Joel Rosario
Race Record: 8 starts: 3 wins, 1 second, 2 thirds
Career Earnings: $1,549,800

The more accomplished trainee of Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen, Tiztastic is entering the Kentucky Derby off a win in the Louisiana Derby (G2). However, he has not been the most consistent horse, with his last win prior to that coming as far back as the Kentucky Downs Juvenile Mile Stakes last September. In the losses between those victories, he’s finished behind many rivals here, including Sovereignty, Sandman, and Coal Battle. He does seem to thrive with distance, though, and his off-the-pace running style may best fit the makeup of this field.

Sloppy Track Potential: Tiztastic has no sloppy track experience, and his pedigree provides little insight as to how he may like it.

15. Render Judgment (30-1)
Trainer: Kenny McPeek
Jockey: Julien Leparoux
Race Record: 7 starts: 1 win, 2 seconds, 1 third
Career Earnings: $250,672

Though trained by last year’s winning conditioner in Kenny McPeek, Render Judgment has not won a race since breaking his maiden in October 2024. That race did come over the Churchill Downs surface, but he has faltered against several rivals here and has never hit the board in graded stakes company. He will likely go into the starting gate with some of the highest odds in the field.

Sloppy Track Potential: Since Render Judgment is another horse that has only experienced fast tracks, if you want to look to his pedigree, offspring of his sire Blame generally don’t mind sloppy tracks.

16. Coal Battle (30-1)
Trainer: Lonnie Briley
Jockey: Juan Vargas
Race Record: 8 starts: 5 wins, 0 seconds, 1 third
Career Earnings: $1,188,875

If you love an underdog, Coal Battle will be easy to root for. His trainer, Lonnie Briley, is 72 years old and had never even run a horse in a graded stakes until Coal Battle won the Rebel Stakes (G2). Next out, Coal Battle was a distant third in the Arkansas Derby behind Sandman and Publisher. For the most part, he has not faced the level of competition he’ll be running against here, either. But if you’re looking for a good story, look no further.

Sloppy Track Potential: Coal Battle has two wins over wet tracks, so rain could be to his advantage.

17. Sandman (6-1)
Trainer: Mark Casse
Jockey: Jose Ortiz
Race Record: 8 starts: 3 wins, 1 second, 2 thirds
Career Earnings: $1,254,595

A last out winner of the Arkansas Derby, Sandman’s closing style may fit this pace-heavy race. Though it is worrisome that he has lost all three of his starts over the Churchill Downs oval, Sandman seems like he may be piecing things together.

Sloppy Track Potential: Sandman has only raced on fast tracks, so a sloppy track would be a toss-up for him. However, being by Tapit and out of a Distorted Humor mare won’t hurt him.

18. Sovereignty (5-1)
Trainer: Bill Mott
Jockey: Junior Alvarado
Race Record: 5 starts: 2 wins, 2 seconds, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $572,800

Most recently second in the Florida Derby (G1), Sovereignty seems like a horse that may appreciate the added distance of the Kentucky Derby. He did romp in a graded stakes at Churchill as a two-year-old, so he clearly likes the surface. He does have the second lowest odds on the morning line despite not being overly accomplished, but he could be worth a play.

Sloppy Track Potential: Yet another horse that hasn’t faced a wet track, Sovereignty is, however, a son of Into Mischief—which should help his sloppy track chances.

19. Chunk of Gold (30-1)
Trainer: Ethan West
Jockey: Jareth Loveberry
Race Record: 4 starts: 1 win, 3 seconds, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $348,818

Although Chunk of Gold has never finished worse than second, he has also only won a maiden special weight. Though second in both the Risen Star Stakes (G2) and Louisiana Derby, he was not a threat to the winner in either race. He’s certainly another underdog if that’s your angle.

Sloppy Track Potential: Like most, Chunk of Gold would be making his wet track debut. However, his full sister, Band of Gold, is a stakes winner over a sloppy track.

20. Owen Almighty (30-1)
Trainer: Brian Lynch
Jockey: Javier Castellano
Race Record: 7 starts: 3 wins, 2 seconds, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $499,935

Owen Almighty faded to sixth behind Burnham Square and East Avenue in the Blue Grass Stakes last out, which is not an encouraging entry into the Kentucky Derby. He does have success at Churchill Downs, but it would take a lifetime best effort to win here.

Sloppy Track Potential: Since Owen Almighty has never raced on a sloppy track, the only hints you can get are from his pedigree. Both of his parents were winners on muddy or sloppy tracks.

21. Baeza (12-1)
Trainer: John Shirreffs
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Race Record: 4 starts: 1 win, 2 seconds, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $148,500

Despite requiring a scratch to draw into the field (which the scratch of Rodriguez has allowed him to do), Baeza has lower morning line odds than most of the others. After all, he was a game second behind morning line favorite Journalism in the Santa Anita Derby. This a wide draw to overcome, but he is of course a half-brother to 2023 Kentucky Derby winner Mage and 2024 Belmont Stakes winner Dornoch.

Sloppy Track Potential: Based in Southern California, Baeza has not faced a sloppy track before. But Belmont Stakes-winning brother Dornoch won the Remsen Stakes (G2) on a muddy track and stakes-placed sister Gunning won two races on muddy or sloppy surfaces.

The post 2025 Kentucky Derby: Make Your Pick appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

In 2021, 17,779 Thoroughbred foals in the United States alone were registered with the Jockey Club. This Saturday, only 20 Thoroughbreds — two of them born in Japan — will load into the starting gate for one of the most illustrious races in the world: the Kentucky Derby. 

Dubbed “the most exciting two minutes in sports,” the 1 ¼-mile race will showcase the 20 3-year-olds that qualified for the Derby via a points system. A crowd of about 150,000 will gather beneath Churchill Downs’ iconic Twin Spires, adorned in their eye-catching hats and best spring attire. Meanwhile, millions of viewers will tune in via television to find out which horse will be presented the winning garland of roses.  

The 2024 Kentucky Derby Field

Will it be an impressive favorite or a shocking long shot crossing the Churchill Downs finish line first this year?

Any horse in the race has a shot—which is exactly what produces so much excitement, and, of course, many betting strategies. Let’s take a look at each horse in this year’s Kentucky Derby, organized by post position and listed with their morning line odds.

1. Dornoch (20-1)
Trainer: Danny Gargan
Jockey: Luis Saez
Race Record: 6 starts: 3 wins, 2 seconds, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $552,275

Certainly the most intriguing detail about Dornoch is that he is a full brother to last year’s Kentucky Derby winner, Mage. He was the winner of a small field in the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) in March, and most recently finished fourth in the Blue Grass Stakes (G1) behind Sierra Leone, Just a Touch, and Epic Ride.

With an especially tricky post position along the rail, Dornoch will need to call upon the promise he showed in his earlier form.

2. Sierra Leone (3-1)
Trainer: Chad Brown
Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
Race Record: 4 starts: 3 wins, 1 second, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $918,000

The second choice on the morning line, Sierra Leone enters the Kentucky Derby off a decisive win in the Blue Grass Stakes (G1) just down the road at Keeneland. His only loss to date was by the narrowest of margins to Dornoch last December in the Remsen Stakes (G2), a rival he soundly defeated last out.

An impressive colt that seems to only be improving, Sierra Leone is rightfully one of the top contenders in this race, if he gets the trip.

3. Mystik Dan (20-1)
Trainer: Kenny McPeek
Jockey: Brian Hernandez, Jr.
Race Record: 6 starts: 2 wins, 1 second, 1 third
Career Earnings: $641,360

Although a dominant winner of the Southwest Stakes (G3) two starts back, Mystik Dan failed to repeat that performance next out, finishing third in the Arkansas Derby (G1) in his final prep. He does own a win over the Churchill Downs surface as a 2-year-old, but it will take a much improved effort to be crowned the Derby champion.

4. Catching Freedom (8-1)
Trainer: Brad Cox
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Race Record: 5 starts: 3 wins, 0 seconds, 1 third
Career Earnings: $877,350

Winner of the Louisiana Derby (G2) last out, Catching Freedom has steadily improved and overcome immaturity over the course of his career. His recent speed figures are among some of the best in the 2024 Kentucky Derby field, and he couldn’t ask for a much better rider than Flavien Prat.

With the right trip, and as long as he has continued to mature, Catching Freedom could be a top player.

5. Catalytic (30-1)
Trainer: Saffie Joseph
Jockey: Jose Ortiz
Race Record: 3 starts: 1 win, 2 seconds, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $216,825

One of the most inexperienced horses entered in the 2024 Kentucky Derby, Catalytic only has three lifetime starts under his belt, including only one route race. That came last out in the Florida Derby (G1), in which he finished second to Derby favorite Fierceness. He performed well enough to be second, but was defeated by 13 ½ lengths.

To win here would be asking a lot of this lightly raced colt.

6. Just Steel (20-1)
Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas
Jockey: Keith Asmussen
Race Record: 11 starts: 2 wins, 4 seconds, and 1 third
Career Earnings: $724,545

A win from Just Steel would be a heartwarming ending to this year’s Derby, as it would give Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen’s young son Keith his first Derby victory in his very first Derby start. Keith of course has the mount for another Hall of Fame trainer, D. Wayne Lukas, who has won this race four times.

The most experienced horse in the field with 11 starts, Just Steel has won only two of those. But, he has faced difficult trips in many of his races, and last out received a great ride from Asmussen in their first start together, finishing second in the Arkansas Derby (G1). While he’s shown signs of improvement, it would take a big jump from him to defeat this field.

7. Honor Marie (20-1)
Trainer: Whit Beckman
Jockey: Ben Curtis
Race Record: 5 starts: 2 wins, 2 seconds, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $526,175

Although winless this year, Honor Marie was a strong second last out in the Louisiana Derby (G2). He does have two victories at Churchill Downs to his record, with a win in the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) and his debut as a 2-year-old last fall.

He is training well and clearly loves the Louisville oval, so he could be worth a look as a longshot.

8. Just a Touch (10–1)
Trainer: Brad Cox
Jockey: Florent Geroux
Race Record: 3 starts: 1 win, 2 seconds, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $281,700

Looking to follow in his sire Justify’s footsteps with a win in the Derby off of just three previous starts, all in his 3-year-old year, Just a Touch is worthy of a glance. A strong second to Sierra Leone in the Blue Grass Stakes (G1) last out, his solid speed figures keep improving and he’s proven he can handle a fast early pace well — and that’s certainly something to be expected in the Derby most years.

Though he may get bet down as a “wise guy” horse, Just a Touch may just deserve to be included in the discussion of top picks.

9. Encino – SCRATCHED

10. T O Password (JPN) (30-1)
Trainer: Daisuke Takayanagi
Jockey: Kazushi Kimura
Race Record: 2 starts: 2 wins, 0 seconds, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $163,339 

The longshot of the two Japan charges, T O Password is the most lightly raced horse in the group, with only two starts under his belt. He earned a Japan Road to the Derby berth with a win in the Fukuryu Stakes, but barely held on to win that race, crossing the wire a head in front.

Not only is this a huge jump in class for T O Password, but his fatigue in the late stretch of a shorter race last out certainly creates distance concerns for the 1 ¼-mile distance of the Kentucky Derby.

11. Forever Young (JPN) (10-1)
Trainer: Yoshito Yahagi
Jockey: Ryusei Sakai
Race Record: 5 starts: 5 wins, 0 seconds, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $2,049,451 

Undefeated in five starts, including a convincing win last out in the UAE Derby, Forever Young may be the most formidable horse Japan has sent to the Kentucky Derby. He’s certainly up for the distance, and has proven himself head and shoulders above his peers up to this point.

It’s always a bit of an unknown when an international horse competes in the Derby, but Forever Young looks to be a real contender.

12. Track Phantom (20–1)
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Jockey: Joel Rosario
Race Record: 7 starts: 3 wins, 2 seconds, 1 third
Career Earnings: $405,000

Track Phantom was a leading contender early on in the road to the 2024 Kentucky Derby, but he enters here off of two losses. Most recently fourth behind Catching Freedom and Honor Marie in the Louisiana Derby, the colt does, however, have strong speed figures.

Based on how he’s faltered in his last two races, Track Phantom doesn’t seem like he wants the distance here. He gets the addition of blinkers for the Derby, but the question is if that will make enough of a difference.

13. West Saratoga (50–1)
Trainer: Larry Demeritte
Jockey: Jesus Castanon
Race Record: 10 starts: 2 wins, 5 seconds, 1 third
Career Earnings: $460,140

One of the longest shots on the morning line, West Saratoga would be a fairytale winner for connections who are just happy to be in the game. The colt has a graded stakes win over the Churchill Downs surface to his credit, having won the Iroquois Stakes (G3) there as a 2-year-old. However, he has not won since and his speed figures don’t stack up against the others.

But if you like to bet the gray, West Saratoga is your Derby horse — he’s the only gray in the field.

14. Endlessly (30–1)
Trainer: Mike McCarthy
Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
Race Record: 6 starts: 5 wins, 0 seconds, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $707,200

While he has done little wrong in his career, Endlessly has been facing much lighter competition than this and has only raced on turf and synthetic surfaces. He was a dominant winner of the Jeff Ruby (G3) last out, and certainly has talent, but the dirt is a big question for him.

15. Domestic Product (30–1)
Trainer: Chad Brown
Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr.
Race Record: 5 starts: 2 wins, 1 second, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $314,200

A game winner of the Tampa Bay Derby (G3) last out in March, Domestic Product does appear to have improved as a 3-year-old and certainly has accomplished connections. He has been training well, but it would take a massive jump in effort and speed for him to pull the upset.

16. Grand Mo the First (50-1)
Trainer: Victor Barboza, Jr.
Jockey: Emisael Jaramillo
Race Record: 6 starts: 2 wins, 0 seconds, 4 thirds
Career Earnings: $214,650

One of three 50-1 longshots on the morning line, Grand Mo the First not only hasn’t won since last September, but he has never won against stakes company. He picked up Kentucky Derby points with several third-place finishes on the Derby trail this year, but it would take by far the best effort of his life to shock the crowd here.

17. Fierceness (5-2)
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Jockey: John Velazquez
Race Record: 5 starts: 3 wins, 0 seconds, 1 third
Career Earnings: $1,703,850

Fierceness stamped himself as the 2024 Kentucky Derby favorite with a 13 ½-length romp in his final prep, the Florida Derby (G1). The colt was last year’s Eclipse Champion 2-Year-Old Male, which he clinched with a dominant win in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1). 

He does seem like the kind of horse to need just the right trip to win and his recent training has left a bit to be desired. But on talent and speed figures alone, he is the best of this field on paper.

18. Stronghold (20-1)
Trainer: Phil D’Amato
Jockey: Antonio Fresu
Race Record: 6 starts: 3 wins, 3 seconds, 0 thirds
Career Earnings: $827,200

Fresh off a game win in the Santa Anita Derby (G1), Stronghold has never been worse than second in his 6-start career thus far. The question of how competitive of company he’s faced does create some worry, but he has done very little wrong.

19. Resilience (20-1)
Trainer: Bill Mott
Jockey: Junior Alvarado
Race Record: 6 starts: 2 wins, 1 second, 1 third
Career Earnings: $494,630

Most recently a clear winner of the Wood Memorial (G2), Resilience seems to have only recently come into his own. The Into Mischief colt also leaves a bit to be desired as far as speed figures go, but he should benefit from the long distance of the Derby. It will take a big jump for him to find the wire first.

20. Society Man (50-1)
Trainer: Danny Gargan
Jockey: Frankie Dettori
Race Record: 5 starts: 1 win, 1 second, 1 third
Career Earnings: $196,705 

While every horse in the gate has a chance, Society Man does seem to be the most overmatched in the Kentucky Derby field. He only just broke his maiden in March, and then followed that up with a second-place finish in the Wood Memorial (G2). Prior to that, he’d only hit the board once in three other maiden special weight efforts.

21. Epic Ride (30-1)
Trainer: John Ennis
Jockey: Adam Beschizza
Race Record: 5 starts: 2 wins, 2 seconds, 1 third
Career Earnings: $253,166

It was just two years ago when #21, drawn in off the scratch of a main body entrant, made Derby history as Rich Strike surprised everyone with his 80-1 Kentucky Derby upset. While Epic Ride likely won’t go off at odds quite that high, it would still take a surprising effort from him to pull the upset. He was a respectable third in the Blue Grass Stakes (G1) behind Sierra Leone and Just a Touch last out, but he will have his work cut out for him.

Let us know in the comments here, or on Facebook (Horse Illustrated) or Instagram (@horseillustrated) who your 2024 Kentucky Derby pick is! Click here to subscribe to Horse Illustrated.

The post 2024 Kentucky Derby: Make Your Pick appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

If you pack your bags for a riding holiday in Ireland, throw in a pair of sensible walking shoes for a day trip to the Irish National Stud & Gardens in County Kildare. Stunning stallions, living legends, and the Irish Racehorse Experience await you.

For under 20 Euros per person, last summer four riding friends and I enjoyed the grounds of a working breeding farm and Japanese gardens, and also experienced racehorse ownership in a simulation in which we bought, trained and “rode” our charges to the finish line.

“There are two big things people visit specifically for: the horse—not one particular horse—but to get up close and personal with them, and the Japanese gardens,” says Ellen Mitchell of the Irish National Stud. She explains that the gardens are over 100 years old, and the farm is rich in heritage and horticultural history.

Mares, Foals and Living Legends

“You could be looking at a future [Epsom] Derby or Grand National winner, or a very expensive lawn mower,” said Gavin, our tour guide, as we gazed at a verdant pasture of mares and adorable foals.

In the spring of 2022, an incredible 319 foals were born at the Irish National Stud. Horse owners trailer in their mares to foal at the maternity hospital, and every year 30 equine veterinary students from around the globe are there to assist the deliveries. A colostrum bank and nursery paddocks ensure all foals are nurtured attentively during their early days.

Visitors can get up close and personal with retired hurdlers (steeplechase racehorses) in the Living Legends pasture. We leaned along the fence watching Beef and Salmon, a fan favorite, whose name was reportedly inspired by a wedding menu choice. Then there was Faugheen, nicknamed “The Machine,” nibbling tender sprigs of green. Beef and Salmon won close to 1 million Euros during his career, while Faugheen was over the million mark.

The small herd captured my attention because I assumed they were all stallions turned out together. But I learned that male hurdlers are always geldings, since jump races are longer—up to 4 miles—and geldings can sustain focus for a longer timeframe than a stallion.

Irish National Stud Stallions

The premier stallion standing at the Irish National Stud is a 26-year-old dark bay Thoroughbred named Invincible Spirit. He’s sired more than 20 Group 1 winners, the highest level of Irish racing.

A statue carved out of an 18-ton block of limestone commemorates him. His sire, Green Desert, covered mares until age 28, and his grandsire, Danzig, until age 27. Needless to say, longevity runs in the family.

Seven other majestic stallions, each with his own logo and stall with skylights, call the Irish National Stud home. The original farm owner believed in astrology, recording each foal’s birth in conjunction with the night sky, determining whether to keep or sell the horses according to the stars.

Irish Racehorse Experience

The Irish Racehorse Experience is an attraction that recently won a prestigious Thea award, given out by the Themed Entertainment Association. We stepped into a white modern farmhouse building to experience the virtual thrill of owning a racehorse, and were each given headsets and a device about the size of an iPad.

An introductory film on a life-size, horse-shaped screen greeted us first, then we headed to an auction simulation and “bought” our own Irish racehorses. I fell for a gray filly named Cool Colonnade. After the auction, we selected the best training programs for our Thoroughbreds. We had to be budget-conscious, as we were allotted only a certain amount of pretend currency for training.

The device screen listed the types of programs we could get, each one with a different fee. For example, it was 200 for beach gallops to have the “sea wind and soft sand put a spring in the step.” For another 200, I opted for treadmill training (“your horse needs to stay the distance”). I paid 150 for pampering, because I would enjoy that myself, so why not splurge on my pretend horse?

Following the rigorous training, we designed our own jockey silks. Mine were lime and emerald green with a Charlie Brown V-shaped pattern on the torso. I had more fun designing my racing silks than was necessary for a fake race.

The culmination of our racehorse ownership at the Irish National Stud was a race. We mounted simulators and faced a screen showing the racetrack. My gray filly came in dead last. At least I had fun riding in my first and last horse race!

Before we wrapped up our day, we ambled through the vibrant Japanese gardens and took a few selfies. We left with snacks, dozens of photos, and fun-filled memories.

If travel plans lead you to Ireland, add a day to your itinerary, jaunt off to Kildare and tour the Irish National Stud & Gardens. It’s located just 45 minutes from Dublin and two hours from Waterford, Cork and Galway.

Visit irishnationalstud.ie to learn more about a visit to the Irish National Stud & Gardens.

This article about the Irish National Stud & Gardens appeared in the April 2023 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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More Than a Racehorse

Helene Gregory grew up riding Standardbreds in Sweden. Though she and her husband, Jeff Gregory, a well-known harness racing trainer and driver, breed these horses to race, Helene developed an obsession with this often overlooked breed.

“I’m a big advocate for getting these horses when they’re done on the track,” Helene says. “I like to pursue new careers, and they’re so good at it. The sky is the limit.”

Standardbreds can also be found at the higher echelons of competitive equestrian sport. In 2007, the United States Trotting Association (USTA) breed registry began accepting applications for Standardbreds and their riders interested in performing in a breed demonstration at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Ky. Eight horse-and-rider pairs were selected, with backgrounds in dressage, hunter/jumper, endurance, and western riding.

“Standardbreds enjoy working,” says Helene. “They do anything you ask of them, and do it eagerly. They are the blue-collar workers of the equine breeds.”

Standardbred Breed History

A melting pot of equine bloodlines, the Standardbred’s origins begin with a gray Thoroughbred stallion named Messenger, foaled in England in 1780. Imported to the United States eight years later in 1788, Messenger stood at stud for 20 seasons and demonstrated an unparalleled ability to sire trotters in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York.

Though Messenger was bred to produce athletic and speedy horses, it would be his great-grandson, Hambletonian 10, who ignited the spark for the Standardbred breed and claims the title of foundation sire.

Hambletonian 10 sired over 1,300 offspring. A mix of breeds were introduced into his line, including Thoroughbreds, Morgans, Canadian pacers, and other pacing and trotting horses.

Bred in two lines—trotters and pacers—Standardbreds introduced racing to the everyday person. Races between neighbors and village roads soon blossomed in major cities where locals cleared streets for rivalries.

Gaited pacers run in a two-beat lateral gait, moving legs on the same side in unison. Trotters race in the traditional diagonal gait, moving opposite pairs of legs together.

The National Association of Trotting Horse Breeders created the Standardbred’s official registry in 1879. The Association’s requirement for the breed required that a horse be able to trot or pace a mile in 2 minutes and 30 seconds. This “standard” led to the name Standardbred.

From Track to Patrol

The unruffled personality of the Standardbred is well-suited to many professions, including police mounts. Mounted horse patrols can be found riding drafts and draft-crosses in many cities across the United States, but in Newark, N.J., the breed of choice is the Standardbred.

Officer Luis Camacho is the instructor and trainer for officers in the department’s mounted patrol. Working with the Standardbred Retirement Foundation, Camacho helps adopt and retrain surrendered horses for police work.

“We stick to the same build and color of the horses to maintain uniformity of the patrol,” says Camacho. “We want to look the same every day to the community. The Standardbred has a consistent temperament needed to perform police work. It’s a sturdy horse and tends to accept the city environment.”

Newark Police mounted officers patrol residential neighborhoods, business districts, and community events like parades, festivals, and concerts because they can cover more ground than a team of officers on foot.

“We’re in a city, so it’s very noisy,” Camacho explains. “EMS ambulances, buses, you name it, they hear it. I think it helps to work with horses coming off the track because they’re not sitting for a long time in a stall.”

Mounted patrol officers receive six weeks of training. Riding instruction and basic horsemanship protocols, including primary care and feeding of the horse, prepare them for a partnership with their assigned mount.

Standardbred Horses: Anything but Standard

A Standardbred makes a wonderful choice for novice riders who may choose the trail or casual riding over the competition ring. The average height for the breed is 14.2 to 15.3 hands, and a weight of 900 to 1,000 pounds means they are smaller than Thoroughbreds and warmbloods. This can make them more accessible for timid riders who prefer a smaller mount.

Although the breed sports a robust and durable body type, their calm temperament, high tolerance for rider mistakes, and willingness to please people outshines all its physical attributes.

Mary Minkoff is a longtime board member and volunteer at Sunshine Horses, Inc., one of the leading Standardbred aftercare facilities in New York State. She also owns a Standardbred named Hucklebuck (aka “Huck”), and believes the thinking that these horses can only succeed on the track is outdated.

“The breed has the potential to excel in any discipline,” says Minkoff. “People realize that they don’t need to have a Thoroughbred or a Quarter Horse to do a particular job.”

While at first glance they may seem to sport a plain brown wrapper, the Standardbred’s athleticism, calm temperament, and willingness to please their riders make them worth a second look.

This article about the Standardbred appeared in the November/December 2022 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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It’s not often that a story about horse racing reverberates beyond the small world of horse sport, but this one has tugged at the heart strings of anyone who loves horses and underdogs.

It all began in 2018 when then 12-year-old Cody Dorman, diagnosed with Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that can greatly shorten life expectancy, was granted a chance to visit Gainsborough Farm in Kentucky by Keeneland and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. One of the weanlings, a colt by Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) winner Curlin out of a Tapit mare, took a shining to the wheelchair-bound boy and put his head in his lap.

While Godolphin Racing, the stable that owns the colt, doesn’t normally name horses after living people, they made an exception after this highly unusual and touching moment, and the colt’s official Jockey Club name became Cody’s Wish.

On the Track

Cody’s Wish went on to stellar performances on the racetrack, never finishing off the board in 15 starts—10 of them wins—going into this year’s Breeders’ Cup. He was undefeated at a mile coming into the race, including a win in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) at Keeneland Race Course in Kentucky.

The Dorman family had logged their first trips to an airport to travel from Kentucky to New York to watch the horse run, and no doubt the journey to California for the 2023 Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita was taxing for the family.

The Wednesday before the race, Team Cody’s Wish was honored at the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters Annual Awards Dinner with the Mr. Fitz Award for typifying the spirit of racing, where Cody’s father, Kelly, gave a touching speech, and Cody himself read a statement from a computer device that can speak for him.

The story seemed to reach a climax on Saturday, however, when Cody’s Wish came from the back of the pack, digging in throughout the stretch run to make up ground on 2023 Preakness Stakes (G1) winner National Treasure. Coming to the wire, Cody’s Wish was all heart, putting a nose in front on the line to win a photo finish in the $1 million Big Ass Fans Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1).

This was always slated to be the career finale for Cody’s Wish, who retires with more than $3 million earnings to Jonabell Farm in Kentucky for a 2024 stud fee of $75,000.

He Lived His Best Life

On Monday, however, the racing world was in mourning when Godolphin released a statement via Kelly and Leslie Dorman, published in Thoroughbred Daily News:

“We are heartbroken to share the news that our beloved Cody suffered a medical event on our trip home to Kentucky yesterday and he has passed away. On Saturday, Cody watched his best friend, Cody’s Wish, display his usual perseverance and toughness in winning a second Breeders’ Cup. Those are the same characteristics Cody has showed time and again for the 18 years we were blessed to have him. We have been completely amazed to experience the impact Cody has had on so many people, through the journey that this wondrous racehorse has taken us all on. From Churchill Downs, to Keeneland, to Saratoga, to Santa Anita this weekend, we could not move 20 feet without someone stopping to tell us just that.

“With Cody’s diagnosis at birth, we always knew this day would come, but we were determined to help Cody live his best life for however long we had him. Anyone who has seen him at the racetrack, especially around Cody’s Wish, understands that in many ways he taught us all how to live, always keeping a positive attitude and being more concerned about those around him than himself.”

This article about Cody Dorman and Cody’s Wish is a web exclusive for Horse Illustrated magazine.

The post Cody Dorman passes away after namesake’s fairytale win in Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

A rash of horse deaths at California’s Santa Anita Park made international headlines and was so far-reaching that it changed the horse racing industry forever.

Official Investigations

Between the beginning of July 2018 and the end of June 2019, 49 horses either died or were euthanized as a result of injuries they sustained while training or racing at Santa Anita Park. Out of the 49 horses, 39 were attributed to catastrophic breakdowns during racing or training. The most equine fatalities took place between December 2018 and the end of March 2019, when a total of 25 horses died at the California racetrack.

In response, track operators asked Mick Peterson, Ph.D., director of Equine Programs and the Racetrack Safety Program and professor of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering at the University of Kentucky, to thoroughly examine the surface conditions at Santa Anita. Peterson also serves as the executive director of the Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory. His evaluation revealed that there was no track surface-related link to the fatalities.

Meanwhile, the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) launched its own investigation into the deaths, and in April 2019, then-L.A. County District Attorney Jackie Lacey announced that her office had formed a task force to probe the incidents. That report absolved the operators of Santa Anita Park of wrongdoing in connection with the deaths.

Reforms

The series of deaths spawned reforms at Santa Anita, however. These ranged from the regular testing of the track’s surface to changing the way trainers get permission to work their horses.

Specifically, a team at Santa Anita that includes Peterson routinely conducts biomechanical tests. These involve a machine that mimics a galloping horse to collect data on deceleration, sliding, surface elasticity, and energy absorption.

In addition, ground penetrating radar is used to measure the depth of the surface layers every 10 centimeters along the track, and chemical and X-ray diffraction tests analyze track samples for density, moisture content, and mineralogical qualities.

Reforms also include strict limitations on the use of pain or anti-inflammatory medications, as well as treatments, such as joint injections, shockwave therapy, and anabolic steroids in horses.

Finally, trainers must apply for permission to work a horse in a timed, high-speed training exercise at least 48 hours in advance, and they must submit pre-entry vet forms before entering a horse for an upcoming race day so that the track’s veterinary staff have more time to identify any questionable horses.

The Role of Rain

Despite the new rules, some racehorse welfare advocates are still puzzled over the exact cause of the fatalities at Santa Anita in the first place.

“Was it the surface or the weather or the use of drugs?” Peterson asks. “I’d say all of the above.”

Before the track’s deadliest day was recorded, Santa Anita received 11½ inches of rain and had unusually cold temperatures. The wet weather hardened track surfaces, turning them potentially dangerous.

“Tracks are maintained by harrowing, grooming, and moisture control, but we had some bad weather—more than 11 inches of rain and cold temperatures in February 2019,” says Peterson. “Track surfaces became hard mostly due to the rain.”

This was documented by Peterson, who was involved in this investigation and who is still a consultant for Santa Anita.

Law Creates New Agency

The series of deaths at Santa Anita put the horse racing industry in the national spotlight, which resulted in the passage of HR 1754, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act of 2020. Signed into law in December 2020, the Act establishes the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, a conflict-free, self-regulatory organization set up to create and implement an anti-doping policy for the entire horse racing industry.

In addition, the Act forbids the use of all medication within 24 hours of a race, and charges the Authority with developing a racetrack safety program to establish a uniform set of training and racing safety standards and protocols, including racetrack design and maintenance, and oversight of human and equine injury reporting and prevention.

The Act also charges the Authority with establishing procedures for undertaking investigations at racetrack and non-racetrack facilities related to safety violations, and requires sellers to provide full and fair information disclosures to buyers of racehorse breeding stock.

HR 1754 represents the first federal equine welfare legislation in 50 years, since the passing of the Horse Protection Act (HPA). The HPA was passed by Congress and subsequently signed into law by then-President Richard M. Nixon on Dec. 9, 1970, and criminalized soring, the deliberate injury to a horse’s feet or legs to achieve the high-stepping, so-called Big Lick gait seen in gaited horses.

Although long overdue, this next step in equine welfare protection is a positive sign of progress if the racing industry is to move forward.

This article about horse racing at Santa Anita originally appeared in the August 2021 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post How Santa Anita Changed Horse Racing appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

As of 2019, the Kentucky Horse Park’s Hall of Champions is home to several notable horses, including two Kentucky Derby winners: 1984 winner Go for Gin, the oldest living Derby winner, and Funny Cide, the winner in 2003.

t seems there’s some disagreement between the two, so you’ll just have to decide which retired equine athlete you trust more to see who you believe will win the 2019 Kentucky Derby.

It’s always exciting when the first Saturday in May falls on May the Fourth Be With You, because then somebody gets to Photoshop R2D2 onto the back of a horse.

On this #DerbyDay which falls on #StarWarsDay let us be the first to say, May the horse be with you. #TurfParadise pic.twitter.com/JqFlJsp6LX

— Turf Paradise (@turf_paradise) May 4, 2019

(Is that Photoshopped? Or is that actually R2D2 on a horse?)

Fortunately for those of us who missed the Game of Thrones bus, you don’t have to be a fan to enjoy the dry humor of this HBO tweet.

10 bucks on the undead horse on the left. #KentuckyDerby pic.twitter.com/bnUnMduwHy

— HBO (@HBO) May 4, 2019

“AtTheBarnTTYL” is a great racehorse name, especially for the Kentucky Derby.

Your #KentuckyDerby horse name is the first 18 characters of the last text you sent. pic.twitter.com/qyKc1qcu0h

— Horse Illustrated (@HI_mag) May 2, 2019

“Horse-Poor Banana” is also a pretty good one.

It’s #DerbyDay

What is your horse’s name?

Choose an adjective that best describes you + the last food you ate. #KentuckyDerby | #HorseRacing | #churchilldowns pic.twitter.com/OAItD7vep2

— A2D Radio (@a2dradio_com) May 4, 2019

Well, this is just cute.

Today is #DerbyDay! pic.twitter.com/SRtAAQ0kZH

— Sandra Boynton (@SandyBoynton) May 4, 2019

Watch the 2019 Kentucky Derby coverage on NBC starting today at 2:30 p.m. ET. Post time for the Derby is 6:50.

We’re wishing all the horses and jockeys a safe journey in the 145th Kentucky Derby today!

The post Past Kentucky Derby Winners Predict 2019 Derby Outcome appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

The first Saturday in May is an iconic date for Kentuckians and fans of Thoroughbred racing. Since 1875, the Kentucky Derby has been held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, and May 4, 2019, will be the 145th running of America’s most famous race. But for fans of all equine kind, the Derby brings something extra special this year. The Budweiser Clydesdales are making their first-ever appearance on the track for the Kentucky Derby celebration. They’ll be decked out in their own version of the Derby’s blanket of roses, with roses braided into their manes in honor of the “Run for the Roses.”

Get a sneak peek of the Budweiser Clydesdales’ trip to Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby in the video below, and tune into the Kentucky Derby broadcast on NBC starting at 2:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 4.

Coverage of the Kentucky Oaks and other Derby Week races and celebrations will air on NBC Sports Network. Tap here to view the broadcast schedule.

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Hollywood Park gave the six-year-old mare an official retirement ceremony on Sunday where her hometown fans had a final chance to see her in person. The ceremony also recognized the people involved in Zenyatta’s record-breaking career, including her owners, Jerry and Ann Moss, trainer John Shirreffs, jockey Mike Smith, racing manager Dottie Ingordo-Shirreffs, exercise rider Steve Willard, groom Mario Espinoza and hot walker Carmen Zamora.

Zenyatta was loaded onto a plane on Monday and arrived in Lexington, Kentucky around 6:00 p.m. She and Smith, Shirreffs, Espinoza and the Mosses made an appearance at Keeneland Race Course for hundreds of admirers who had come out in spite of the bitter cold to catch a glimpse of the great mare. She was led around the show ring behind Keeneland’s sales pavilion, the same venue where the Mosses purchased her as a yearling five years ago.

Click thumbnails for larger images

Nick Nicholson, president of Keeneland, presented the Mosses with some special treats for Zenyatta, including carrots, pears and a few pints of Guinness.

With 19 consecutive wins, Zenyatta shattered the record for most consecutive wins and won the 2009 Breeder’s Cup Classic, becoming the first mare to do so. Her spectacular career and charisma drew throngs of fans from outside Thoroughbred racing’s notoriously shrinking pool of loyal followers. Although she missed the 2009 Horse of the Year title to Rachel Alexandra, she is a likely candidate for this year’s award.

Zenyatta will be moving on to a relatively quiet career as a broodmare at Lane’s End Farm in Versailles, Kentucky. According to ESPN.com, she will be bred in 2011, but the identity of the chosen stallion still remains the subject of much speculation.

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