Winning Kentucky Derby 2024, Mystik Dan’s Brian Hernandez Scores Bigger Victory Than $3.1 Million Prize

Mystik Dan’s crown in the spectacular 2024 Kentucky Derby signified a major feat for jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. The $3.1 million prize was not as enticing as this historic victory at Churchill Downs, which solidified Hernandez’s place in the horse racing world. But what was the overview of Hernandez’s ongoing aspiration?

Mystik Dan, an American Thoroughbred racehorse trained by Brian Hernandez Jr., defeated Sierra Leone and Forever Young in the 2024 Kentucky Derby, clocking in at 2:03.34. The morning line had him at 20-1, but supporters bet on him quite a bit more, bringing the odds down to 18-1 by the start.

Furthermore, the X-handle of NBC Sports shared their thoughts with a video, captioning it, “‘This is a lifetime achievement.’ Mystik Dan’s jockey Brian Hernandez has been dreaming of winning the Kentucky Derby since he was six years old. #KyDerby”.

Hernandez became the eighth jockey who recorded the Oaks/Derby double, ending a 0-for-4 slump and creating historic. A fellow Louisianan named Calvin Borel was the last to accomplish it (2009).

Kentucky Derby 2024: Honors for Hernandez’s talented ride

How quickly a day has passed for McPeek and Hernandez! They won the Derby with Mystik Dan after finding gold on Friday with Thorpedo Anna at the Kentucky Oaks. McPeek was all over Hernandez, praising him for his incredible ride and calling him a genius. “Brian’s amazing,” McPeek exclaimed with sincere appreciation. With an average speed of 2:03.34 for the 1¼-mile course, Mystik Dan won, while Fierceness, the 3-1 favorite, dropped to the 15th spot in the highly competitive field of 20 runners.

Hernandez first mentioned his hopes of winning the Derby to everyone who would listen when he was six years old, and this achievement was the realization of that lifetime desire for him. “It’s a lifetime achievement,” Hernandez stated. “This goes to our whole family.” Dramatic encounters between Sierra Leone and Forever Young during the last stretch of the competition occurred as they both attempted to overtake the leader.

Trainer Chad Brown of Sierra Leone responded, “It’s a game of inches,” even though his horse was only a nose away from victory. Despite the close overlook, Mystik Dan will try to win the Triple Crown when he competes in the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore on May 18. In summary, jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. reached unheard-of levels of popularity and praise with Mystik Dan’s success at the 2024 Kentucky Derby, which dazzled spectators with its breathtaking show.