Kentucky Derby 2011: Longshot Animal Kingdom Wins The Roses

Added on May 07, 2011 by Jack Thurman in

Horse Racing

Longshot Animal Kingdom closed well to take the 137th running of the Kentucky Derby. It was an upset victory for the 20-1 underdog but in a wide open race without a clear cut favorite–let alone a dominant one–it was far from surprising that a higher priced entrant won.

It was the first Kentucky Derby victory for trainer Graham Motion, who looked to be shut out this year when Wood Memorial winner Toby’s Corner was scratched from the race. In a field without overwhelming speed it was apparent that the likely winner would be a strong closer and that’s just what Animal Kingdom did–he ran down Nehro, who had taken the lead after early pacesetter Shackleford dropped back to the field. Nehro would hold off Mucho Macho Man for second place.

The race was a joyous moment for Animal Kingdom’s connections–including ownership syndicate head Barry Irwin–but not a particularly good one for jockey Robby Alberado. Alberado had been scheduled to ride Animal Kingdom, but was replaced by John Velasquez who became available when Uncle Mo was withdrawn. Irwin sympathizes with Alberado but insists he made the right call:

“It was a tough call because I really like Robb. But this horse has 20 partners. There’s a lot invested. And it turned out to be the right thing to do.”

Jockey Velazquez said simply:

“I do feel really bad for Robby.”

Veteran trainer Graham Motion has run the gamut of emotions this week–he described the crushing disappointment he felt when Toby’s Corner was withdrawn:

“I about fell over. That’s a tough blow the week of the Derby.”

The big question about Animal Kingdom going into the race was his ability to run on dirt instead of synthetic surfaces:

“This horse was so powerful today. I didn’t know for sure he would handle the switch over to dirt. This is a very special horse.”

Animal Kingdom paid $43.80 to win, $19.60 and $13.00. Runner up Nehro paid $8.80 and $6.40. Mucho Macho Man returned $7.00 to show. The 16-19 exacta paid $329.80 while the 16-19-13 trifecta paid $3,952.40. Superfecta bettors that nailed the 16-19-13-14 order of finish enjoyed a windfall payday of $48,126. Animal Kingdom became the first horse since 1956 to win the Derby after a six week layoff.