I missed the race but caught it on YouTube (I love the internet) and was amused by how the winner caught everyone, including the announcer, by surprise. The bay gelding, who was once bought at auction for $10,000, was ridden to victory by Calvin Borel, the colorful Louisiana jockey who rode Street Sense to victory in the 2007 Derby. He also rode Rachel Alexandra to her win in Friday's distaff, the Kentucky Oaks.
The name? He's by Birdstone out of Mining My Own. Birdstone's grandsire was Unbridled, who was in turn a grandson of Mr. Prospector. Birdstone won the 2004 Belmont Stakes, crushing the Triple Crown hopes of sentimental favorite Smarty Jones. He also won the Travers Stakes before retiring to stud at Gainesway. Mining My Own is a chestnut granddaughter of Mr. Prospector who never raced because she fractured a leg; Mine That Bird was her first foal.
News Stories/Sites
Kentucky Derby caller fails to keep his eye on longshot Bird - USA Today
Mine That Bird Uses Shortest Route To Win Derby - NY Times
The Canada Connection - The Globe & Mail
Gainesway
Videos
The Kentucky Derby - YouTube
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