Mage, second from left, with Javier Castellano aboard, wins the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby horse race at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 6, 2023, in Louisville, Ky. (AP News photo)

By Jessica Kwong

Mage came from behind to win the 149th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday evening and give Venezuelan trainer and owner Gustavo Delgado his first win in the first leg of the Triple Crown.

The Run for the Roses began with Verifying and Kingsbarns fighting for the lead. About halfway through, Mage broke off from the middle of the pack and passed both of them. Mage held off challenges from Angel of Empire and Two Phil’s. Two Phil’s finished second and the favorite, Angel of Empire, came in third.

Jockey Javier Castellano, who was winless in 15 past Kentucky Derby runs and finally claimed victory in his 16th, said he knew Mage had it in him.

“He’s a little horse with a big heart,” said Castellano. “It was the dream trip for any jockey.”

Castellano added about his journey: “I never gave up and tried hard. It took me a while to get there but I’m very blessed to be here,” he said.”

Mage had 15-1 odds and finished with an official time of 2:01.57 in his second career win in four starts. He was not a favorite to win, even after champion 2-year-old Forte dropped out.

Five horses were scratched from the race, bringing the field to 15, the smallest since the 2020 Derby that was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Delgado said he believed Mage could win as he advanced in the race.

“When he started moving, when started making his move, I felt very confident,” said Delgado. “He was right there, when Javiar started to ask him, I knew.”

Asked if Mage will race in the second leg of the Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore on May 20, Delgado said, “Give me a couple days at least!”

Mage has the opportunity to be the first horse to win at Pimlico Race Course after a Kentucky Derby, since 2018 when Justify achieved both victories.

Here is the official order of finish and their lengths behind the winner

1. Mage

2. Two Phil’s (1)

3. Angel of Empire (1 1/2)

4. Disarm (4 1/2)

5. Hit Show (6 1/4)

6. Derma Sotogake (8)

7. Tapit Trice (9 1/4)

8. Raise Cain (10)

9. Rocket Can (11)

10. Confident Game (14 1/2)

11. Sun Thunder (16 3/4)

12. Mandarin Hero (20 1/4)

13. Reincarnate (24 1/2)

14. Kingsbarns (25 1/4)

15. King Russell (25 1/2)

16. Verifying (54 3/4)

17. Jace’s Road (55 1/4)

18. Cyclone Mischief (55 1/2)