Mage Makes Derby Magic ✨

05/08/2023

By: Jeff Yoder

15-1 Longshot ‘Mage’ Wins 149th Kentucky Derby, Ends 15-Year Wait for Jockey

Another shocker in Louisville! The 149th Run for the Roses produced another stunning upset at Churchill Downs. It wasn’t the same magnitude as last year’s 80-to-1 win by Rich Strike, but a heartwarming story with all the feels. Mage, a 15-to-1 longshot, used a charge at the top of the stretch to hunt down Two Phil’s for the Kentucky Derby crown on Saturday night (2:01.57). The 3-year-old chestnut colt had only three competitive starts and just one win before Saturday night, but he lived to the name and created a magic burst down the stretch that delivered the elusive Derby win for Venezuelan jockey Javier Castellano.

 

“I never give up. I always try hard, do the right thing. It took me a little while to get there. I’m very blessed… The little Mage, he did it really well today. He has a ton of heart. It’s a little horse with a big heart.“ — Javier Castellanos

 

Castellano’s Long Ride: Castellano is a Hall of Fame jockey who had been the leading rider four different times in the United States. The 45-year-old is regarded as one of the greats, but he had finished sixth or worse in 13 of his 15 Kentucky Derby rides.

 

Morning Scratch: The morning-line favorite, Forte, was a late scratch to open the door for Angel of Empire as the favorite. He finished 3rd.

 

2023 Kentucky Derby Results

1. Mage (15-1 Odds)

2. Two Phil’s (9-1 Odds)

3. Angel of Empire (7-2 Odds)

4. Disarm (26-1 Odds)

5. Hit Show (24-1 Odds)

Full 2023 Kentucky Derby Results

 

Watch: 2023 Kentucky Derby (Full Race) 

 

Additional Storylines

Sporting News: Who Is Javier Castellano? Jockey Breaks KY Derby Drought

SI: Mage’s Kentucky Derby Victory Provides Thrilling End to Tragic Week at Churchill Downs

NBC Sports: Mage Wins 149th Kentucky Derby Capping Volatile Lead-Up in Which 7 Horses Died at Churchill Downs

 

Photo: Michael Reaves / Getty Images