Ahead of the upcoming Kentucky Derby, equestrian fans have received a series of shocks. The unfortunate demise of four racehorses has pained Churchill Downs officials and fans alike. While Parents Pride and Chasing Artie died from unknown causes, Wild on Ice and Take Charge Briana were euthanized after getting hurt. Amidst the public outrage on these deaths, Kentucky Derby’s recent announcement of updated post positions left fans divided.
Kentucky Derby publicly declared the post positions on its Twitter handle. The move came after the news that Practical Move, Lord Miles and Continuar will not participate in the upcoming Derby. This recent post of Kentucky Derby led to intriguing reactions from fans where a fan surprisingly disbelieved these positions and interpreted them differently. While some fan-favourite horses surprisingly didn’t acquire the initial positions, horses like Confidence Game and Tapit Trice acquired positions near the top. So what was in this post positions list that divided fans?
Kentucky Derby’s updated post position list increases suspense
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
While Hit Show was allotted the first position, fan-favourite Forte was given the 15th position. The racehorse Verifying was placed in the second position whereas Confidence Game obtained the fourth position. Tapit Trice, which will be ridden by Luis Saez secured the fifth position.
Angel of Empire, which was predicted as the winner by Mighty Aristides, obtained the fourteenth position. Skinner, which surprisingly got selected to participate in the Kentucky Derby in the end got the 9th position. Cyclone Mischief gained the 21st position whereas Mandarin Hero who also qualified for the Kentucky Derby was given the 22nd position.
Updated Kentucky Derby Post Positions pic.twitter.com/PSIaS7KnoT
— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) May 4, 2023
The reason why these positions gain importance is due to the odds of winning associated with every position. According to an article by the Kentucky Derby, the horses at positions 1, 5, 7 and 8 and 10 have the best winning odds. While horses at post position 1 have won 8 times, competitors in position 5 have secured victory 10 times.
Also, contenders at 7 and 8 positions have emerged victorious in the Kentucky Derby 8 times. Not only this, the horses contesting from position no 10 have won the Kentucky Derby 9 times. Responding to Kentucky Derby’s recent post of updated post positions, fans gave unexpected and entertaining reactions.
Fans have serious doubts about Kentucky Derby’s updated list
A fan indicated how Kentucky Derby had ulterior and unethical motives while determining post positions of the horses contesting in the Kentucky Derby
So many shady things happening. So sad….
— Sonya Richardson (@Tuscany2011) May 5, 2023
Later, a fan hinted how this wasn’t the post positions list and gave a completely different interpretation of Kentucky Derby’s Twitter update.
I don’t think these are post positions, unless the gate now has 22 stalls. 😎 My understanding is everyone outside of Practical Move is moved in 1 stall position. The exception is Continuar, who moves in 2 spots & gets stall 18. Cyclone Mischief gets stall 19, Mandarin Hero in 20
— Laurie Bale (@Baleofaks) May 4, 2023
Post this, another fan rendered unhappy with the updated positions list gave the Kentucky Derby strong advice.
Update it again. https://t.co/JDvsS2somQ
— ً (@racing_dude) May 5, 2023
Later, a fan also made a controversial statement, grieving at the deaths of four horses before the Kentucky Derby
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What I want to know is, are you taking the health and humane treatment of these horses seriously? Personally think the derby should be canceled after the death of four horses this week. Unacceptable!
— Carla Sibilia (@carlasibilia) May 4, 2023
Post this, a fan also made an interesting comment about Mandarin Hero who is given the 22nd post position in Kentucky Derby’s updated list.
So Mandarin Hero has lower odds than #Disarm? #RingTheBell
— Charlie from Brooklyn (@ckrx1) May 4, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Fan reactions indicate that fans are confused and not completely happy with Kentucky Derby’s updated post-positions list. What do you think of Kentucky Derby’s updated positions list? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
WATCH THIS STORY – Tom Brady’s Stunning Looks At US Equestrian Can Entice Everyone Who Cares To Appears Solid At 45