The 150th Kentucky Derby on Saturday was one for the history books — for the sport in general, but particularly for the Louisiana racing industry. With three horses running neck-and-neck down the stretch, the winner was decided in an epic photo finish. By less than a nose, Mystik Dan finished first.
The thoroughbred’s Louisiana connections show just how much of an impact the state has had on the sport of kings. Shreveport natives Sharilyn and Brent Gasaway are part of the horse's ownership group. Trainer Kenny McPeek has a home in the French Quarter, where he spends the winter months. And the jockey who rode Mystik Dan to victory is Brian Joseph Hernandez Jr. from Lafayette.
Hernandez comes from a long line of legendary jockeys from Louisiana who have found success at the Run for the Roses. Asked to name some of his role models, he rattled off a list that included Shane Sellers, Robby Albarado and Calvin Borel.
In his winning ride aboard Mystik Dan, Hernandez tried to emulate Borel, the Acadiana jockey who has won the Derby three times. Borel’s strategy of riding a horse almost glued to the rail of the track earned him the nickname Bo-rail. It brought Hernandez success on Saturday.
Hernandez and McPeek also made history by winning both the Derby and the Kentucky Oaks, a fillies-only race run on the afternoon before the Derby. They won with The Oaks with Thorpedo Anna, who dominated the field. Hernandez is only the eighth jockey and McPeek the fourth trainer to accomplish that feat in the same year.
Hernandez credits his Louisiana roots for giving him the career he enjoys now. His father was a jockey, as were his siblings. In typical fashion for Louisiana jockeys, he started galloping horses at 12 and never looked back. He said he remembers riding around on a Shetland pony and dreaming of one day being in the Derby.
Now that his dreams have come true, Hernandez will join the list of jockeys inspiring the next generation. We can only imagine that there are kids getting on their first horses across Louisiana who watched Hernandez’ ride on Saturday and made their own plans to get to the Derby.
We congratulate the Gasaways, McPeek and Hernandez for taking Mystik Dan to the pinnacle of the sport, and for adding to the storied history of Louisiana racing. They say they haven’t decided whether to run Mystik Dan in the Preakness and try for that covted but often elusive Triple Crown. But whether they do or not, they’ve already made us proud.
Louisiana has a lot to celebrate with its rich traditions and culture. But we also should realize it’s the unique talents that are nurtured here and shared with the world that make this place so special.