A $1,000 Colt Wins the Kentucky Derby

Mark Smith - Sunday May 2

A yearling that found a new home after the minimum bid of $1,000 supplied trainer Bob Baffert with a record seventh win in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.

Ridden by John Velazquez, Medina Spirit refused to surrender his lead to defeat Juddmonte Farms Mandaloun (Into Mischief) by a half-length. Hot Rod Charlie (Oxbow) was the same distance back in third with a further head back to the favourite Essential Quality, whose undefeated record ended after a tough run.

A son of the Giant’s Causeway stallion Protonico, Medina Spirit was bought by Christy Whitman for $1,000 at the 2019 OBS Winter Mixed Yearling Sale before making $35,000 to the bid of Zedan Racing Stables at the OBS June2yo sale last year.

Winner of the GrIII G3 Robert B. Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita on January 30, Medina Spirit advances his record to three wins and three seconds from six starts.

 "I knew he was training well. But I'm really, really surprised,” Baffert told The Blood-Horse.

&ldq

Advertisement
uo;When I saw him on the easy lead I kept waiting for these horses to come at him but Johnny had him in a perfect spot.

 "I cannot believe he won this race. That little horse, it was all guts. I'm the luckiest guy in the world. This horse had such a big heart.

“Johnny told me last night, 'don't underestimate this horse. He's better than you think, Bob - don't worry, we'll get the job done.' And he got it done. He reminded me of Silver Charm, he doesn't know how much he cost."

Bred in Florida by Gai Rice, Medina Spirit is the first foal of the winning Brilliant Speed mare Mongolian Changa whose third dam Holy Niner is a half-sister to the former Coolmore shuttler High Yield.

Medina Spirit is the only stakes-winner to date from the first crop of 19 live foals by the GrII winner and multiple Gr1 placed Protonico who stands at Castleton Lyons at a fee of $5,000.

Advertisment
More Reading...
2YO Sale Mail – First Season Sires Poised for Action
Some lucrative juvenile races will be run on Saturday with the $500,000 VRC Inglis Banner (1000m) at Flemington and the $1million ATC Golden Gift (1000m) at Rosehill adding plenty of interest to an action packed day.
Juvenile Trial Watch – Warwick Farm
Three heats for juveniles run at Warwick Farm on Friday morning featured an $825,000 I Am Invincible filly and two youngsters that have won previously including a colt that bolted in by 14 lengths!
Sires With Winners - Friday November 8
Here is the full list of 35 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Dual G1 Winner Magic Time Purchased by Yulong
The Grahame Begg trained Hellbent mare Magic Time will run in new colours on Saturday in the $500,000 Group II ATC Hot Danish Stakes (1400m) with breaking news on Friday confirming her sale to Yulong.
Unraced First Season Sires Trial Report
There has been a tsunami of quality racing in the past week and there has also been plenty of action at barrier trials, so for those interested in what first season sires have juveniles in work and preparing to race this is a must read with 10 first season sires having trial runners since the start of November.
Sires With Winners - Thursday November 7
Here is the full list of 47 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Initial Entries of SH Covered Mares for Tattersalls Online December Sale Announced
The first entries for the highly anticipated collaboration between Tattersalls Online and Inglis Digital have been confirmed and they include three mares in foal to Too Darn Hot, currently the leading second crop sire in Australia with five stakes-winners this season.
Hello Youmzain Earns a Fee Increase
Currently at Cambridge Stud in New Zealand, promising young shuttle sire Hello Youmzain (FR) has been given a fee increase back in France by Haras D’Etreham and will stand at €40,000 in 2025 up from €22,500.
Tara Talks Racing - Bonus Episode- Cup Week Intrigue
The Melbourne Cup, a great Australian result. Could you have found the winner? We go back to 1903 for guidance. The Oaks wash up, USA mares - have you bought one this week?
Best On Breeding
Two valuable Inglis sponsored races for the babies on Saturday, with the $500,000 Inglis Banner on a superb Champions Day at Flemington and the $1,000,000 Group III Inglis Golden Gift at Rosehill.