Always Dreaming wins 143rd running of the Kentucky Derby
Always Dreaming has won the 143rd running of the Kentucky Derby with jockey John Velazquez.
He was the late favorite going into the race with 4 to 1 odds. Lookin at Lee and Battle of Midway came in at second and third respectively. Classic Empire, who had been another favorite in the days leading up to the race, came in fourth.
Rainy weather leading up to the race made for a muddy track.
The Kentucky Derby is the first race in the Triple Crown, followed by the Preakness and the Belmont. The last horse to win all three was American Pharoah in 2015.
The Todd Pletcher-trained Florida Derby winner was never threatened on his way to a comfortable victory in 2:03.59.
Always Dreaming paid $11.40, $7.20, $5.80 for a $2 bet. Lookin at Lee, a 33-1 shot, returned $26.60, $15.20, while 40-1 choice Battle of Midway paid $20.80.
(Reuters contributed to this report)
