LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (AP):
GIACOMO DEFIED the odds and won the Kentucky Derby in a gigantic upset by running down a game Afleet Alex in the final strides and generating a huge payoff yesterday.
Even though trainer Nick Zito had five horses in the field of 20, including the favourite Bellamy Road, the Derby belonged to a three-year-old colt who had won just once in seven races.
confident
Giacomo, who always managed to stay in contention, finished fourth in the Santa Anita Derby, and trainer John Shirreffs was confident his colt would run well in the 1 1/4-mile (2-kilometre) Derby.
The horse, named for the rock star Sting's nine-year-old son, was ridden by Mike Smith, who, at long last, grabbed his first Derby victory in his 12th attempt. Smith was also aboard Holy Bull, Giacomo's sire, when he finished 12th in the 1994 Derby.
Bellamy Road never mounted a serious threat in the US$2.4 million (euro1.85 million) Derby, the richest ever run.
Closing Argument, another long shot, finished second with Afleet Alex third in the largest Derby field since 20 started in 1984.
The wild results produced the second-highest win payoff in Derby history. Giacomo returned US$102.60 (euro79) on a US$2 (euro1.50) win ticket. The Derby record is US$184.90 (euro142) by Donerail in 1913.
Giacomo, breaking from the No. 10 gate, was a little wide around the turn and started making up ground at the top of the stretch. Smith guided Giacomo outside and the colt took off, moving past Afleet Alex for the shocking victory by a half a length in 2:02.75.
awesome
"It's awesome," Shirreffs said.
Smith agreed: "When I stood up at the wire, all the strength left my body and I was hanging on for dear life."
In the 1994 Derby, Holy Bull went off as the favourite but never really had a chance. Who won? Zito, with Go for Gin.
"Giacomo redeemed his father's name," Smith said.
If Giacomo goes on to win the Preakness in two weeks, the stage would be set for a fourth straight Triple Crown try in the Belmont Stakes on June 11. War Emblem in 2002, Funny Cide, and Smarty Jones each won the Derby and Preakness, but came up short in the Belmont.
