On Top of $2 Million+ Loss, Mike Repole Suffers More As Fierceness Fails at Billionaire’s 10th Kentucky Derby Attempt

The most awaited showdown after Kentucky Oaks came to an end on May 4 when Mystik Dan edged out Sierra Leone by a mere nose to claim victory in the historic 150th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. celebrated his first Derby win, guiding the 20-1 long shot to triumph. Forever Young secured third place, with Catching Freedom close behind in fourth. However, the pre-race favorite, Fierceness, disappointed fans and finished a disappointing 15th.

For owner Mike Repole, this loss was more than just a setback. It marked another chapter of heartbreak in his tenth Kentucky Derby attempt. The colt costed $2+ million to Repole, winless in nine previous attempts at Churchill Downs. The American entrepreneur was eagerly anticipating his first victory in the prestigious 150th Derby.

With his hopes pinned on the 5-2 favorite, Fierceness, trained by the renowned Todd Pletcher and ridden by three-time winner John Velazquez, fate had different intentions in store. However, keeping the suffering aside, Repole took to his X account and showcased a blissful moment. On May 5th, Repole added a sweet picture of him having some ice cream time with his daughter.

“Congrats to Mystik Dan on winning the Kentucky Derby. Both Forever Young and Sierra Leona ran amazing,” Repole wrote. After wishing the winners, Repole added, “Fierceness didn’t have it today but came out of the race good. In life winning and losing will both happen. Losing sucks but motivates and inspires me to work harder. One method I’ve used after a tough day or a bad loss is going for ice cream. Ice Cream makes everyone happy!!!!!”

“I’ve had nine Derby horses, either by myself or with partners… To me, when you scratch the morning-line favorite for the Derby, it’s a loss”, said Repole. Despite his nine entries, he’s yet to secure a win, citing losses like Forte’s race day scratch last year, a devastating blow to his championship aspirations. For Repole, these setbacks constitute losses in themselves. Apart from this, this is how the favorite colt faced frizzles in a showdown.

The favorite disappoints

History would have been created if Fierceness galloped to victory, as he would have shattered the pattern to seize the Kentucky Derby crown. But things took a different turn. Initially priced at 3-1 odds, the Todd Pletcher protege dazzled with a sensational victory in the Florida Derby left rivals trailed by a remarkable 13.5 lengths. Despite the mounting buzz and odds shortening, Fierceness stumbled, earning the unflattering moniker of the “biggest fraud.”

Initially touted at 5-2, his odds dwindled to 7-2 come race day. Jockey John Velazquez harbored hopes of etching his name in history with a fourth Derby win, but Fierceness faced an uphill battle from the unfavorable No. 17 post. Ultimately, crossing the finish line in 15th place, he left pundits and punters alike reeling. The event serves as a stark reminder of the capricious nature of horse racing.