Orb Wins Kentucky Derby

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Orb started the 139th running of the Kentucky Derby as the 5-1 favorite, and he ended in the same manner, topping the 20-horse field with a winning time of 2:02.89 over the sloppy 1 1/4-mile Churchill Downs track on Saturday.

The track took in about a half-inch of rain earlier in the day, but the precipitation stopped by post time. Heavy duty rollers were utilized to try and tamp the muddy surface down.

Orb, who was prepared by Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey, held off challenges from runner-up Golden Soul and third-place finisher Revolutionary, who was also considered a co-favorite with Orb coming into the race. It was McGaughey’s first Derby win.

Orb was ridden to victory by Joel Rosario, who won the prestigious Dubai World Cup nearly two months ago aboard Animal Kingom.

The nearly $2.2 million purse included almost $1.44 million to Orb, who paid bettors $12.80 for the win.

Owner/trainer Todd Pletcher, who had a record-tying five horses entered in the field, including Revolutionary, Charming Kitten (ninth), Overanalyze (11th), Palace Malice (12th and Verrazano (14th).