
'Giacomo' Wins Kentucky Derby
LOUISVILLE, Ky., May 7, 2005


Jockey Mike Smith and Giacomo are led to the
winner's circle after winning the Kentucky Derby Saturday, May 7,
2005. (Photo: AP)
Giacomo works out on Thursday before winning the
Kentucky Derby. (Photo: AP (file))
 |
|
(AP) Not this time, Nick. Not even with five
horses.
Giacomo defied the odds and won the $2.4 million Kentucky
Derby in a gigantic upset Saturday, running down a game Afleet Alex in the
final strides and generating a huge payoff.
Even though trainer
Nick Zito had five horses in the field of 20, including the favorite,
George Steinbrenner's Bellamy Road, this Derby belonged to a 3-year-old
colt who had won just once in seven races.
Giacomo, who always
managed to stay in contention, finished second in the Santa Anita Derby,
and trainer John Shirreffs was confident his colt would run well in the
1-1/4-mile Derby.
Did he ever.
The horse, named for the
rock star Sting's 9-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 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 $102.60 on a $2 win ticket. The Derby
record is $184.90 by Donerail in 1913.
©MMV, The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material
may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or
redistributed.

|