LOUISVILLE, Kentucky,CMC – Jamaican jockey Shaun Bridgmohan produced one of the best rides of his outstanding career, to land second place in the prestigious 140th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs here today.
The 34-year-old brought 37-1 longshot Commanding Curve with a thunderous late run down the middle of the track but failed to catch winner and 2-1 favourite California Chrome, who reached the wire 1-3/4 lengths clear.
California Chrome, with Victor Espinoza aboard, covered the 1-1/4 mile trip in a time of two minutes, 3.66 seconds.
Danza, ridden by Joe Bravo, was another 1-¼ lengths behind Commanding Curve.
There was disappointment, however, for Wicked Strong ridden by another Jamaican jockey Rajiv Maragh. The colt went off as the second favourite behind California Chrome at odds of 6-1 but never mounted a serious threat, and finished fourth.
Uncle Sigh and Chitu set the pace after a level break, hauling the 20-horse field through fractions of 23.04 seconds for the quarter mile and 47.1 for the half-mile.
California Chrome stalked from third, followed by Samraat and Intense Holiday, with the rest of the field jostling for positions.
Once the race swung for home, however, Espinoza drove California Chrome to the front, opening up a five-length field and then coasting to the finish to win handsomely.
