Sports History!
Animal Kingdom won the 137th Kentucky Derby in front of the biggest crowd at horse race ever?
[May 7]
Here’s a bit of horse-play sports history trivia for you. The latest celebrity pet to make headline news is a horse called Animal Kingdom. Going off at 20 to 1 odds, the beautiful animal ran his first big race on a dirt track to win the 137th Kentucky Derby. And guess what? Apparently the majestic equine champion has no fear of crowds, as the 2011 Kentucky Derby has the most guests watching the race that they have ever had at the Southern event.
Vancouver Sun reports:
In his first race on a dirt surface, Animal Kingdom roared from the pack to capture the 137th Kentucky Derby on Saturday at Churchill Downs.
A 20-1 choice ridden by John Velazquez, who lost his ride on Uncle Mo on Friday when the horse was scratched, Animal Kingdom chased down Shackleford, who led almost the entire race. Animal Kingdom is trained by Graham Motion, who is based in Fair Hill, Md. Nehro also made a run, but finished second. Mucho Macho Man was third. Shackleford faded to fourth.
[Betters found out] Animal Kingdom paid $43.80, $19.60 and $13 on a $2 bet. Nehro returned $8.80 and $6.40. Mucho Macho Man paid $7.
The largest crowd in the history of the event, 164,858, packed Churchill Downs to watch as the best 3-year-olds in the world competed for the blanket of roses. Despite the fact that the race didn’t have an overwhelming favorite, it had no shortage of compelling story lines.
Whether or not you like horse racing as a sport or tradition, one thing is certain — the animals whose hearts pump 75 gallons of blood per minute when they are running are impressive. Even more impressive than the spectacle of so many women wearing outlandish Kentucky Derby hats, more grand an glorious than those seen at the Royal Wedding this year.
