In what many considered one of the deepest fields in Kentucky Derby history, American Pharoah proved to be the best horse in the 141st running of the prestigious race. He and jockey Victor Espinoza were the victors in the first leg of the Triple Crown.
In the race known as "The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports,” American Pharoah ran past Firing Line at the end of the 1 1/4-mile race with a time of 2:03.02 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.
MORE: Preakness time, TV schedule | List of Triple Crown winners | More on American Pharoah
“I feel like the luckiest Mexican on Earth," Espinoza said on NBC after the race. "He's been a special horse since the day I rode him. He's tremendous. He has a lot of talent. He flows in the track...Unbelievable horse."
American Pharoah entered the race as the favorite at 5-2 odds. He is trained by Bob Baffert, who won his first Derby since 2002 with War Emblem, who was also ridden by Espinoza.
American Pharoah: 1st horse to ever win from post position 17 5th win in 6 lifetime starts (won each of last 5)
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 2, 2015 Baffert's other horse, Dortmund, finished third, and didn't win for the first time in seven races. Wood Memorial winner Frosted finished fourth.
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American Pharoah will look to capture the second leg of the Triple Crown in the 140th running of the Preakness Stakes at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore on May 16.