Chad Brown discusses Sierra Leone’s nose defeat in the Kentucky Derby (G1), along with his intentions to run in the Belmont Stakes (G1), Domestic Product losing a shoe, and more.

Jantar Mantar, Japan’s top 2-year-old colt of 2023, defeated Ascoli Piceno, the top 2-year-old filly of 2023, in the May 5 NHK Mile Cup with the aid of a cutback in distance and some racing luck.

Jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. and the other connections of Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Mystik Dan greeted the media May 5 at Churchill Downs, a day after the colt’s memorable nose victory there.

Trainer Kenny McPeek is undecided on whether Mystik Dan will run in the May 18 Preakness Stakes (G1). If he runs, he could possibly be the lone Derby starter in the gate.

In a special edition of the 150th Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs, Mystic Dan fought his way down the wire to give trainer Kenny McPeek the victory who also scored the May 3 Kentucky Oaks (G1) with Thorpedo Anna.

Mystik Dan wins the 2024 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on May 4, 2024.

Comments from the connections of Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan, including jockey Brian Hernandez Jr., trainer Kenny McPeek, and co-owner/breeder Lance Gasaway. Courtesy Churchill Downs

It is a marriage of convenience, in the best sense of that word. Trainer Kenny McPeek and jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. are partners in peaceful coexistence.

The 150th edition of the Kentucky Derby (G1) delivered one of the race’s great finishes as Mystik Dan just held off late charges from Sierra Leone and Forever Young to win the $5 million classic May 4 at Churchill Downs.

Unlike the 150th Kentucky Derby (G1) itself where winner Mystik Dan edged Sierra Leone by the closest of margins, no photo was needed to determine if the business records for Churchill Downs Inc. were a winner or loser.