Kentucky Derby returns with a record-setting performance for trainer

Medina Spirit made his trainer Bob Baffert the all-time winningest trainer by leading virtually the entire Kentucky Derby on Saturday in the 147th running of the event.

After the COVID pandemic moved last year’s race to September, the derby returned to its traditional first Saturday of May date.

Medina Spirit, listed at 12-1 odds entering the weekend, also made jockey John Velasquez a four-time Kentucky Derby winner.

Mandaloun finished second and Hot Rod Charlie was third.

Essential Quality came into the race as the favorite with w-1 odds. Other pre-race favorites were Rock Your World (9-2) and Hot Rod Charlie (5-1).

The event, held with perfect weather conditions, welcomed back fans at 60 percent capacity – more than 50,000 – to draw one of the largest crowds at a sporting event since the pandemic began in March 2020.