Mage, a 15-1 longshot, emerged victorious at the 2023 Kentucky Derby, the prestigious first leg of the Triple Crown, with an official time of 2:01.57. Trained by Gustavo Delgado and ridden by jockey Javier Castellano, Mage surged from deep in the pack at the top of the stretch to pass early leaders Verifying and Kingsbarns. Holding off challenges from Angel of Empire and Two Phil's down the stretch, Mage finished a length ahead of Two Phil's, with Angel of Empire another half length behind.
Castellano, who rode with a "never give up, always try hard, do the right thing" mentality, praised his horse's big heart, saying "He's a little horse but [has] a big heart." Mage's win is especially meaningful for both Delgado and Castellano, as they hail from Venezuela.
The win is also a triumph for Cincinnati businessman Chase Chamberlin and the 382 people who own Mage. Chamberlin dedicated the victory to a fellow shareholder who passed away just two weeks before the race at the young age of 38.
While the race was a success, safety concerns arose leading up to the event. Seven horses had died at Churchill Downs since April 27, with five deaths occurring in the week prior to the Kentucky Derby. Additionally, two horses were euthanized after suffering injuries just hours before post time. These incidents raise concerns about the safety of horse racing and the measures needed to prevent future tragedies.
Looking ahead, it remains unclear whether Mage will participate in the second leg of the Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes on May 20. However, Mage has the potential to become the first horse since Justify in 2018 to win both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes.
Overall, Mage's win at the Kentucky Derby is a testament to the horse's heart and determination, as well as the skill of Delgado and Castellano. The race also highlights the ongoing need for improved safety measures in horse racing.