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 War Emblem winner of the Kentucky Derby with Victor Espinoza up being led to the winner's circle by his owner Prince Ahmed bin Salman of the Thoroughbred Corp.
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Dateline: 05/04/02
In the 128th running of the Kentucky Derby, Prince Ahmed Salman of the
Thoroughbred Corporation beat Sheikh Mohammed to the Holy Grail when his
recent purchase War Emblem captured the roses. With expected pacesetter
and fellow Baffert trainer Danthebluegrassman scratched out of the race,
jockey Victor Espinoza sent War Emblem to the front to set the pace.
Setting easy fractions of 23.25, 47.04, 1:11.75, and 1:36.70, he was able
to conserve energy and save ground the whole way around the track. Proud
Citizen stalked him, always staying within two lengths of the leader. As
the field straightened for home, Perfect Drift, who was making his bid for
the front having settled in stalking position, had to alter his course at
the 3/16 pole when he got behind War Emblem, lost momentum as a result,
and came up empty. Midway down the stretch, War Emblem found another gear
and drew off to win by four lengths over Proud Citizen in a time of
2:01.13 for the 1 1/4 mile classic. It was 3/4 lengths back to Perfect
Drift. Very lukewarm (6-1) favorite Harlan's Holiday was bumped by Proud
Citizen at the start, raced as far back as 11th early, and simply failed
to fire, finishing seventh, while 7-1 second choice Medaglia d'Oro
finished fourth. The foreign contingent all did poorly: Breeders' Cup
Juvenile winner Johannesburg was 8th, Essence of Dubai was 9th, and Castle
Gandolfo was 12th.
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Purse: $1,000,000 Distance: 1 1/4 miles
Pgm Horse Jockey Win Place Show 5 War Emblem Espinoza 43.00 22.80 13.60 13 Proud Citizen Smith 24.60 13.40 3 Perfect Drift Delahoussaye 6.40
Results chart Race 9 If that chart link doesn't work, try this one. |
Triple Crown quick links:
- Kentucky Oaks Results - Farda Amiga wins in a big upset NEW!
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- Graded Stakes Earnings - this is what determines who gets in the Derby
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- Late Triple Crown Nominees - 12 additional horses were nominated by the March 30th deadline for late nominations
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- Kentucky Derby 128 from Daily Racing Form
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Photos ©2002 Cindy Pierson Dulay, licensed to About
