7 muddy photos of Always Dreaming's Derby win
Always Dreaming won the 2017 Kentucky Derby in dominant fashion. He was one of two favorites coming in and became the fifth consecutive favorite to win the Derby.
For jockey John Velazquez and trainer Todd Pletcher, Always Dreaming was a second championship - but their first together.
Here's that story from a mud-filled Churchill Downs, in seven Paste BN Sports Images photos:
1. A big start
Always Dreaming led coming around the first turn.
Mark Zerof/Paste BN Sports
2. A muddy field
With the backstretch being a splash fest.
Jamie Rhodes/Paste BN Sports
3. A gallop to the finish
Even though Lookin At Lee was a distant second.
Mark Zerof/Paste BN Sports
4. Two clearly strongest horses
Lookin At Lee was 2 3/4 lengths back, but 5 lengths ahead of third-place Battle of Midway.
Jamie Rhodes/Paste BN Sports
5. Hitting the finish line
The No. 5 horse looked comfortable all race.
Jerry Lai/Paste BN Spor
6. Then taking a moment
Velazquez rode Animal Kingdom to a Derby victory in 2011.
Jamie Rhodes/Paste BN Sports
7. And smile for the crowd
Because they wore such nice hats!
Jamie Rhodes/Paste BN Sports
Watch the full race here.