By Michael Fenrich
May 1, 2021 was very majestic indeed as the NFL held the last day of the draft and the 147th Kentucky Derby was ran at Churchill Downs.
As teams were preparing for the future improving their rosters the equine athlete were running into history.
Last year when the Covid 19 pandemic began the sports world and everyone were affected. The 2020 Kentucky Derby was in the first Saturday in September and not in May. In 2021 the Derby was back where it belongs in the first Saturday in May.
As the horses were in the paddock the legendary Hall of Fame trainer Mr. D. Wayne Lukas announced the riders up on the NBC telecast. “It was an honor I was chosen. I was surprised because they usually choose other athletes, it was good. This year was special,” said Lukas.
Medina Spirit trained by Bob Baffert and piloted by John Velazquez won the 147th Derby, this same team of Baffert and Velazquez won the 2020 Derby in September with Authentic. It was a record setting seventh Derby win for Baffert and fourth for Velazquez. It was a tremendous weekend for Velazquez. On Friday Velazquez won the Kentucky Oaks with Malathaat for trainer Todd Pletcher. “It was incredible to win both. Thank you for the opportunity,” said Velazquez.
Medina Spirit paid $26.20 win $12.00 place $7.60 show. Mandaloun was second paid $23.00 place $13.40 show. Hot Rod Charlie was third paid $5.20 show.
With over a year of stress and anxiety due to the pandemic the majestic horses have given an escape to a special utopia for horse racing fans.
“Great to see fans enjoying it and things getting back to normal,” said Velazquez.
With the name Medina Spirit winning the run for the roses in 2021 it is lifting the spirits of so many for better and healthier days.