In an evenly balanced race, I’ll Have Another, a 15-1 favorite, surprised nonetheless, coming from behind to overtake Bodemeister at 6-1 down the stretch on Saturday to win the Kentucky Derby by 1 1/2 lengths.
With jockey Mario Gutierrez on the reins, the 3-year-old colt bolted pass Bodemeister and held off Dullahan, which was closing fast.
A record crowd of 165,307 watched I’ll Have Another finish the race in 2:01.83, giving Gutierrez the win in his first Kentucky Derby appearance.
Trinniberg was expected to set a fast pace in the 20-horse field, but Bodemeister catapulted to a lead of as much as five lengths. But turning for home, Bodemeister weakened and I’ll Have Another strengthened. It is the first horse to win coming from the 19th post.
I’ll Have Another paid $32.60, $13.80 and $9. Bodemeister returned $6.20 and $5.60 and Dullahan paid $7.20.