Mystik Dan emerged as the surprising champion at the 2024 Kentucky Derby, delivering a thrilling victory by the narrowest of margins and securing a career Triple Crown for trainer Kenny McPeek.
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In an electrifying finish, Mystik Dan edged ahead by a nose, narrowly surpassing second-favorite Sierra Leone and Forever Young in a dramatic photo finish that kept spectators on the edge of their seats for several minutes.
Despite being considered an underdog with odds of 20-1 on the morning line, Mystik Dan garnered slightly more confidence from fans, ultimately being bet down to 18-1 by race time.
Jockey Brian Hernandez Jr., expressing his initial uncertainty about the win, described the exhilarating moment of waiting for the official verdict as “quite a rush.”
Mystik Dan arrived at the Kentucky Derby with a relatively modest racing record, having previously clinched a third-place finish at the Arkansas Derby and a victory at the Grade III Southwest Stakes.
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This triumph marks the first Kentucky Derby win for both trainer Kenny McPeek and jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. McPeek, previously known for training Swiss Skydiver, the 2020 Preakness Stakes champion, and Sarava, the unexpected victor of the 2002 Belmont Stakes, praised Hernandez’s exceptional ride.
Covering the 1¼-mile course in 2:03.34, Mystik Dan’s victory was celebrated as a culmination of a remarkable 24 hours for McPeek and Hernandez, who also claimed victory in the Kentucky Oaks with Thorpedo Anna the previous day.
Looking ahead, Mystik Dan’s journey continues with the 149th running of the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore on May 18, as he seeks to add further triumphs to his racing legacy.
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