In 2019, stewards removed the would-be winner Maximum Security after a 22-minute review for interference. Horse racing fans wanted nothing more than an uncomplicated Derby after years of tumult. It sent a sport already reeling into a near tailspin. Hours later, Chloe’s Dream and Freezing Point had to be euthanized after being injured during their races.

Then, just 12 hours before post time, morning-line favorite Forte was scratched by state vet Nick Smith after an examination of his foot. Skinner and Practical Move also were scratched with elevated temperatures and Continuaar was removed by his trainer. That led to an indefinite suspension for their trainer, Saffie Joseph, as well as Joseph’s Derby horse, Lord Miles, being scratched by the Kentucky Horse Association. Later, Take Charge Briana also suffered a catastrophic injury, and two other horses, Parents Pride and Chasing Artie, died unexpectedly.

It started even before the draw, when Wild On Ice had to be euthanized following a morning workout, and continued through the Derby day. Seven horses have been euthanized or died at Churchill Downs since April 27, and five horses had to be scratched from the Derby. The uncomplicated simplicity of the victory was the balm that horse racing needed after a horrific week that left even horse racing fans grappling with the complexity of their beloved sport. Both Venezuelans - Castellano and Delgado - were flocked by giddy countrymen who waved their flags in celebration.

“He’s a little horse with a big heart,” he said. Mobbed by fellow Venezuelan jockey Junior Alvarado on the track, Castellano patted his horse with admiration. “When I come to the United States, my first dream was to go to the Kentucky Derby,” Delgado cried as he tapped his heart through his white suit jacket, bending over at the waist, overcome with emotion. Castellano, a 45-year-old Hall of Fame jockey who hadn’t been getting as many rides as late, was 0-for-15 in Derby attempts, and Delgado, a three-time winner of the Caribbean Triple Crown, was 0-for-3. Javier Castellano and Gustavo Delgado have built incredibly impressive resumes in their sport but saw only the omission on the first Saturday of May.

The Order by Angel Lawson