Mystik Dan Emerges Victorious in 150th Running of Kentucky Derby 2024

In a thrilling and historic race, Mystik Dan emerged victorious in the 150th Kentucky Derby, narrowly edging out Sierra Leone and Forever Young in a photo finish. The tension was palpable as the three horses raced neck and neck down the stretch, with Mystik Dan and jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. ultimately crossing the finish line first by a mere nose.

The crowd at Churchill Downs erupted in excitement as the result was reviewed by stewards and declared official after several suspenseful minutes. Hernandez expressed his disbelief and joy at the unexpected win, calling it the “longest few minutes” of his life.

The 18-1 underdog Mystik Dan completed the 1 1/4 mile race in 2:03.34, paying out $39.22 for the win. Sierra Leone, the second favorite at 9-2 odds, finished second and returned $6.54, while Forever Young from Japan came in third and paid $5.58 to show.

Trainer Kenny McPeek, who also won the Kentucky Oaks with Thorpedo Anna the day before, made history by becoming the first trainer since 1952 to sweep both races. This victory adds to McPeek’s impressive resume, which includes a shocking upset in the 2002 Belmont Stakes with 70-1 longshot Sarava.

Despite some bumping and lugging in the stretch, jockey Ryusei Sakai did not claim foul, allowing the thrilling finish to stand as Mystik Dan claimed victory in one of the closest Kentucky Derby races in recent memory.