[Animals] Mage wins the 149th Kentucky Derby, capping a volatile lead up that saw 7 horses die in recent days at Churchill Downs

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Mage sprinted to victory Saturday at the scratch-filled 149th Kentucky Derby, bringing trainer Gustavo Delgado and jockey Javier Castellano their first garland of roses.

 

Capping a sad and tumultuous week at famed Churchill Downs, the speedster — a grandson of 2007 Preakness champ Curlin and 2008 Derby winner Big Brown — stayed close to the lead throughout before finding a second wind down the stretch at Churchill Downs.

 

Mage had raised eyebrows with an impressive place finish at the Florida Derby five weeks ago, in race won by Forte, the favorite that day, but Forte was scratched ahead of Saturday's running.

“He’s (Mage) got a lot of heart," Castellano said moments after crossing the finish line. "He’s a little horse but (has) a big heart.”

Delgado, who like Castellano is a native of Venezuela, could barely speak after his horse won.

 

“When I come to the United States, my first dream (was) go to the Kentucky Derby!” Delgado said as a member of his entourage joyously waved a Venezuelan flag behind him.

 

Mage went off at 15-1, the eighth most po[CENSORED]r pick of bettors in the field of 18. A $2 win bet returned $32.42 payoff.

 

Mage's path to Triple Crown glory will now run through Baltimore, where the 148th running of the Preakness is set for May 20 at Pimlico Race Course.

The Belmont Stakes, the final jewel of horse racing's holy trinity, is set for June 10, just outside of New York City.

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Mage sprinted to victory Saturday at the scratch-filled 149th Kentucky Derby, bringing trainer Gustavo Delgado and jockey Javier Castellano their first garland of roses.

Capping a sad and tumultuous week at famed Churchill Downs, the speedster — a grandson of 2007 Preakness champ Curlin and 2008 Derby winner Big Brown — stayed close to the lead throughout before finding a second wind down the stretch at Churchill Downs.

Mage had raised eyebrows with an impressive place finish at the Florida Derby five weeks ago, in race won by Forte, the favorite that day, but Forte was scratched ahead of Saturday's running.

 

“He’s (Mage) got a lot of heart," Castellano said moments after crossing the finish line. "He’s a little horse but (has) a big heart.”

Delgado, who like Castellano is a native of Venezuela, could barely speak after his horse won.

“When I come to the United States, my first dream (was) go to the Kentucky Derby!” Delgado said as a member of his entourage joyously waved a Venezuelan flag behind him.

 

Mage went off at 15-1, the eighth most po[CENSORED]r pick of bettors in the field of 18. A $2 win bet returned $32.42 payoff.

Mage's path to Triple Crown glory will now run through Baltimore, where the 148th running of the Preakness is set for May 20 at Pimlico Race Course.

The Belmont Stakes, the final jewel of horse racing's holy trinity, is set for June 10, just outside of New York City.

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[https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/mage-wins-149th-kentucky-derby-rcna81443]