In Saturday's 22nd Arlington Million, Mrs. John Magnier's Powerscourt, ridden by Irish jockey Jamie Spencer, came from far back to take command in mid-stretch and drew clear for a length and a half victory. However, he drifted in during his impressive mid-stretch surge and caused trouble for others in the field.
Following a stewards' inquiry into the stretch run, Powerscourt, who posted a final time of 2:00.08 for the 10 furlongs, was disqualified from first and placed fourth for interference in the stretch run, and Brushwood Stable's Kicken Kris, second under the wire, was declared the 2004 Million's official winner.
After being elevated to the win position this year, Kicken Kris returned mutuels of $21.40, $11.20, and $6.60. Last year, on Arlington Million Day, Kicken Kris won the Grade I Secretariat Stakes restricted to 3-year-olds and became the third horse in history to score victories in both races. Trained by Michael Matz, Kicken Kris was ridden Saturday by jockey Kent Desormeaux, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in Saratoga on Monday.
Originally finishing third but placed second was Michael B. Tabor's Magistretti, a European longshot who paid $25 and $11.60. Gary A. Tanaka's Epalo, the German-bred post time favorite, was fourth under the wire after his troubled trip initiated by Powerscourt's actions but was subsequently moved up to third. Epalo paid $4.
Godolphin Racing Inc.'s Vespone made the pace, cutting out fractions of :23.75, :47.49, 1:12.04, and 1:36.60, but weakened in the final furlong to finish fifth.
Results Chart from Equibase
