Former Wildcat Bob Baffert wins his 7th Kentucky Derby

LOUISVILLE, KY – In the 147th annual running of the Kentucky Derby, Arizona Alumni Bob Baffert came away victorious for the seventh time in his career. 

Bob Baffert and the Kentucky Derby, it is what has become synonymous in the sport of horse racing the past few years as our former Wildcat has dominated the sports as of recent.

From six previous Kentucky Derby wins, seven at the Preakness Stakes, three at Belmont Stakes, and two Triple Crown victories, there aren’t many better than Baffert.

Arizona Wildcats

Well on Saturday, in the 147th running of the annual Kentucky Derby, the infamous horse trainer and former Arizona graduate did it again. Growing up in Nogales, AZ, just over 60 miles south of Tucson, he entered the Derby with American Thoroughbred racehorse, Medina Spirit, and shocked the World once again.

Entering with fairly low odds at 12-1, if Baffert has proved anything in his lengthy career as a trainer, it is you don’t bet against him when it matters, and he will always find a way to finish near the top. So without surprise, he, his jockey, and his horse were dominant once again.

Starting in Gate 8 with legendary jockey John Velazquez, the three-year-old thoroughbred took the early lead and made his way ahead at the top stretch, passing highly-favored horses like Mandaloun, Hot Rod Charlie, and Essential Quality, and never looking back.

After just two minutes of racing at the infamous Churchill Downs, Medina Spirit crossed the finish line in first, ahead by half a horse length over Mandaloun, delivering a record-breaking seventh victory for Bob Baffert at the Kentucky Derby.

With the win, Medina Spirit and Baffert will now enter the Preakness Stakes as the early odds on favorite to win. The Preakness Stake will be held on May 15 at the infamous Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland.

Here is a recap from Saturday’s race…