Mystik Dan clings on for victory in Kentucky Derby thriller

Coolmore-owned Sierra Leone was just denied in second, with Forever Young third.

Mystik Dan just held on by a nose in a three-way photo-finish to claim Kentucky Derby glory for trainer Kenny McPeek and jockey Brian Hernandez Jr.

Sierra Leone came home strongly but couldn’t quite give his Coolmore owners compensation for City Of Troy’s disappointing display in the 2000 Guineas, while Japanese raider Forever Young was another nose back in third.

The 150th ‘Run for the Roses’ took place on a 10-furlong dirt track described as running fast after a glorious day in Louisville had dried up Friday night’s rain.

A crowd of 156,710 packed into Churchill Downs let out an almighty roar, as Track Phantom took an early lead, flanked by Just Steel and the favourite Fierceness.

That trio held sway until the turn for home, when Mystik Dan burst through on the inside rail and quickly stormed into a three-length lead.

Sierra Leone and Forever Young fought hard to claw back the deficit and were closing in on the leader with every stride, but the finishing line came just in time for Mystik Dan.

Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.

Latest