But by the time the day had ended, Mage out-dueled Two Phil’s down the stretch to win before 150,335 at Churchill Downs. Jockey Javier Castellano won his first Derby in 16 tries.
Some of the best photos and video from the first Saturday in May show the pageantry and spectacle that attracts around 150,000 in attendance annually including celebrities to the renowned Thoroughbred racetrack in Louisville. On display was a Kentucky tradition, accented with the best in fashion whether it was extravagant hats, sparkling shoes or dapper bow ties. It reflected the grand spectacle the Kentucky Derby has become since it began in 1875.
Mage, with Javier Castellano up, crosses the finish to win the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Silas Walker/swalker@herald-leader.com
Mage wins the Kentucky Derby on Saturday May 6, 2023 in Louisville, Ky. Mark Mahan
Mage with Javier Castellano wins the Kentucky Derby (G1 ) at Churchill Downs, Louisville, Ky., on May 6, 2023. Anne M. Eberhardt
Javier Castellano celebrates in the winners circle after winning the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby on Mage at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on Saturday, May 6, 2023. ANNE M.EBERHARDT
The field makes their way the first time around past the winner’s circle during the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on Saturday, May 6, 2023. Mage won the Run for the Roses. Brian Simms/bsimms@herald-leader.com
The field rounds the first turn during the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Friday, May 6, 2023, in Louisville, Ky. (Jack Weaver/Herald-Leader) Jack Weaver
Javier Castellano, aboard Mage, celebrates after winning the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 6, 2023, in Louisville, Ky. (For the Herald Leader / Bryan Woolston) Bryan Woolston/AP
Mage wins the Kentucky Derby on Saturday May 6, 2023 in Louisville, Ky. Mark Mahan
Mage with Javier Castellano up win the 149th Kentucky Derby, Saturday, May 06, 2023 at the Churchill Downs in Louisville. Jonathan Palmer/photo@jonathanpalmer.net
Javier Castellano celebrates after riding Mage past the finish line to win the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Friday, May 6, 2023, in Louisville, Ky. (Jack Weaver/Herald-Leader) Jack Weaver
Part-owner and assistant trainer Gustavo Delgado Jr., right, celebrates after Mage wins the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on Saturday, May 6, 2023. Brian Simms/bsimms@herald-leader.com
A crowd of guests moves past the paddock on Derby Day at Churchill Downs on Friday, May 6, 2023, in Louisville, Ky. (Jack Weaver/Herald-Leader) Jack Weaver
Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes and wife Brittany take to the red carpet at Churchill Downs before the start of 149th Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Kentucky on Saturday, May 6, 2023. Gabi Broekema/Gabi Broekema
Louisville native Jack Harlow takes to the red carpet at Churchill Downs before the start of 149th Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Kentucky on Saturday, May 6, 2023. Gabi Broekema/Gabi Broekema
Patrons gather at Churchill Downs before the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Ky., Saturday, May 6, 2023. Silas Walker/swalker@herald-leader.com
People walk around Churchill Downs ahead of the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Ky., on Saturday, May 6, 2023. Lewis Gardner
A man watches a race on the day of the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs Wednesday, May 3, 2023, in Louisville, Ky. (For the Herald Leader/Bryan Woolston) Bryan Woolston/AP
People walk around Churchill Downs ahead of the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Ky., on Saturday, May 6, 2023. Lewis Gardner
Elizabeth Montgomery pops in yellow at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Saturday, May 6, 2023. Her ankle leghth dress is from Daphne Taylor, prse from Revolve and the bright pink fascinator from Hat Girls. Amy Wallot
Children wait in line for their seats on the day of the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs Wednesday, May 3, 2023, in Louisville, Ky. (For the Herald Leader/Bryan Woolston) Bryan Woolston/AP
Marnie Rossow based her outfit around her pearl shawl for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Saturday, May 6, 2023. She made her fascinator from two seperate pieces. Amy Wallot
Kentucky Derby favorite Forte scratches after being examined by Kentucky Chief Veterinarian Nick Smith, right after a bruise on the colt’s right foot was discovered earlier in the week, Saturday, May 06, 2023 at the Churchill Downs in Louisville. Jonathan Palmer/photo@jonathanpalmer.net
