The Kentucky Derby stretch runs is a little more than a quarter mile and the Churchill Downs stretch 1,234 feet in length. The final stretch determines many years the winner of the Kentucky Derby. Let’s take a look at some recent stretch runs in Kentucky Derby History.
In 2014, The fan-favorite California Chrome led them into the stretch; the California Bred, with the Purple and Green colors, opened up on the field with Jockey Victor Espinoza calling the shots and gave trainer Art Sherman his first Kentucky Derby Win – It was the fifth straight win for California Chrome and a dominating performance under the Twin Spires. California Chrome retires with 16 wins in 27 starts and a legion of “Chromie fans.”
In 2015, the exciting American Pharoah, trained by Bob Baffert, was favored in the Kentucky Derby. The Arkansas Derby winner is tested as they enter the stretch. Dortmund on the inside, Gary Stevens and Firing Line in the middle in the Pink, and Victor Espinoza gets busy with the right hand on American Pharoah, in the middle of the track, who pulls away in the final 1/16th over a stubborn Firing Line.
The Undefeated Nyquist was the headliner for the 2016 Kentucky Derby. The son of Uncle Mo was the Breeder’s Cup Juvenile Champion and prepped in Florida. The talented Gun Runner leads Nyquist into the stretch. Still, Nyquist opens up at the 1/8th pole and remains undefeated as Exaggerator closes late to cut into Nyquist’s winning margin, trained by Doug O’Neil.
Todd Pletcher, the all-time leader in Kentucky Derby starters, saddles Always Dreaming. The horse takes advantage of a sloppy race track, leading as they head for home. He saves ground at the rail and gives John Velasquez a second Kentucky Derby win and a second Derby winner for Todd Pletcher beneath the Twin Spires.
Unraced as a two-year-old, Justify enters the 2018 Kentucky Derby trying to break the “Curse of Apollo.” Justify is the favorite despite just three-lifetime starts. Kentucky Derby, he leads into the stretch and gets tested by Good Magic. Justify, changes leads, and relishes the Churchill Downs sloppy racetrack, winning the Kentucky Derby in his 4th lifetime start with an elated Mike Smith getting the win.
The First DQ in Kentucky Derby History was the storyline in the 2019 Kentucky Derby. Maximum Security led into the stretch; he bumped War of Will as they turned for home and crossed the finish line first, but Hold All Tickets! The stewards conducted a lengthy inquiry and declared Country House the winner.
The 2020 Kentucky Derby was in September, due to the COVID-19 epidemic postponing the race from May. It features the heavily favored Tiz the Law, but Authentic goes to the lead and repels a challenge from Tiz the Law, who gets close but doesn’t get by a stubborn Authentic – the Heart of a Champion dramatically holds off all the challengers and wins the Run for the Roses 2020
Medina Spirit takes the lead early and leads the field into the stretch. The field bunches up mid-stretch, but Medina Spirit keeps finding more and holds off a trio of challengers at the finish Line. Mandaloun, Hot Rod Charlie, and Essential Quality all give a futile chase to the winner. Mandaloun is named the official winner after a disqualification of Medina Spirit.
Rich Strike wins the 2022 Kentucky Derby in one of the greatest upsets in Kentucky Derby History. The 70/1 shot is behind runners as Epicenter surges to the lead. Still, Sonny Leon would not be denied and goes outside a runner at the 1/8th pole and then swallows the leaders with giant strides as they approach the wire.
A fast pace took its toll on the front-runners as they turned for home. Two Phil’s saved ground on the inside and looked like a winner with Jareth Loveberry before Javier Castellano, with a perfect ride on Mage, got the dream trip and picked up his first lifetime Kentucky Derby win in the Shadow of the Wire.
In one of the most exciting Kentucky Derby finishes in history, the 18/1 winner, Mystik Dan, pleads for the wire on the inside as Sierra Leone and Forever Young aim. Sierra Leone bumps Forever Young near the wire, and Mystik Dan holds on for the big upset, giving trainer Ken McPeek his first Kentucky Derby win.
From 2014 to 2024, the Kentucky Derby saw exciting finishes, controversial disqualifications, and two Triple Crown winners. Jockeys like Mike Smith, Javier Castellano, and Victor Espinoza became iconic for their great rides. John Velasquez also solidified his reputation as a top rider on America’s biggest stage.