Animal Kingdom wins the Kentucky Derby

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — John Velazquez won the Kentucky Derby by a broken nose.

An injury to Animal Kingdom’s regular rider, Robby Albarado, cleared the way for Velazquez to pick up the mount and once he took the reins Saturday, he rode his good luck all the way to the winner’s circle.

“For once, I’m on the good end of it,” Velazquez said. The last three years, the New York-based jockey came to Churchill Downs with a colt considered a leading contender, only to have it withdrawn. This time, he was supposed to ride Uncle Mo before the colt was scratched due to a lingering stomach problem. Then Albarado breaks his nose when he’s thrown off his horse and kicked in the face before a race.

“All of a sudden I pick up this one and he wins the Derby, so it was meant to be,” he said.

— Associated Press

Commentary: Animal Kingdom’s owner as classless as the horse’s victory was classic

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