Jockey Javier Castellano was quick to give Jesus praise after he won the 149th Kentucky Derby riding Mage Saturday in the “fastest two minutes in sports.”
Venezualian native Castellano was 0-15 going into the Run of the Roses at Churchill Downs and his team had a 15-1 long shot of winning on Saturday.
“First of all, thank you, Lord Jesus Christ for giving me the opportunity to win the Derby – the dream trip for any jockey, trainer, any horses in the industry of racing,” Castellano told NBC Sports. “I never give up, I always try hard, do the right thing. It took me a little while to get there but finally I got it. I’ve been blessed.”
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Castellano praised Mage moments after crossing the finish line.
“He’s got a lot of heart,” Castellano said. “He’s a little horse but a big heart.”
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Trainer Gustavo Delgado, who is also from Venezuela, was ecstatic after his horse won.
“When I come to the United States, my first dream — go to the Kentucky Derby!” Delgado said.
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