In an upset that shocked the record-breaking 164,000-plus crowd who gathered at Churchill Downs today, Animal Kingdom took home the win at the 2011 Kentucky Derby.
The official win/place/show was: Animal Kingdom, Nehro and Mucho Macho Man. Shackleford came in fourth place.
Jockey John Velazquez was slated to ride Uncle Mo, who scratched earlier this week due to gastrointestinal problems, but picked up the mount for Animal Kingdom at the last minute. This is the first Kentucky Derby win for Velazquez and Animal Kingdom's first race on dirt. Thankfully for Animal Kingdom, the rain held off making for a dry track although the sky over Churchill Downs was an ominous gray for the entire day.
Meanwhile, jockey Calvin Borel came in tenth on Twice the Appeal. Borel has won three Kentucky Derbies and was hoping to earn a fourth win.
The official win/place/show was: Animal Kingdom, Nehro and Mucho Macho Man. Shackleford came in fourth place.
Jockey John Velazquez was slated to ride Uncle Mo, who scratched earlier this week due to gastrointestinal problems, but picked up the mount for Animal Kingdom at the last minute. This is the first Kentucky Derby win for Velazquez and Animal Kingdom's first race on dirt. Thankfully for Animal Kingdom, the rain held off making for a dry track although the sky over Churchill Downs was an ominous gray for the entire day.
Meanwhile, jockey Calvin Borel came in tenth on Twice the Appeal. Borel has won three Kentucky Derbies and was hoping to earn a fourth win.
