Kentucky Derby highlights: Mystik Dan wins

1. Mystik Dan

2. Sierra Leone

3. Forever Young

4. Catching Freedom

5. T O Password

6. Resilience

7. Stronghold

8. Honor Marie

9. Endlessly

10. Dornoch

11. Track Phantom

12. West Saratoga

13. Domestic Product

14. Epic Ride

15. Fierceness

16. Society Man

17. Just Steel

18. Grand Mo The First

19. Catalytic

20. Just a Touch

"Around the far turn, my horse was so game being up on the inside," jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. said after the win. "I came through a really tight spot and we kind of climbed up on top of the rail a bit. When he shot through that spot and was able to cut the corner and I asked him to go for it, he shot off. I was like, ‘Oh man, we have a shot to win the Kentucky Derby.'”

It was Hernandez's first Kentucky Derby victory.

McPeek told NBC Sports that Brian Hernandez Jr., who led Mystik Dan to victory, "did an amazing job."

"I mean, just a brilliant, brilliant, brilliant jockey in-ride,” McPeek said while still waiting for an official ruling on the finish from Churchill Downs. “Brian’s amazing. Probably one of the most underrated riders in racing. But not anymore.”

Hernandez was also elated by the win.

“This is unbelievable,” Hernandez said, while still mounted atop Mystik Dan. “That was the longest few minutes I’ve ever felt in my life, waiting for them to hang that number up. ... It’s hard to put into words.”

Mystik Dan finished just ahead of Sierra Leone in a dramatic photo finish.

Mystik Dan took home the 150th running of the legendary horse race. He finished at 16-1 odds. Sierra Leone took second place.

All 20 horses are walking to the gate. The race will happen in exactly 5 minutes at 6:57 p.m. ET.

Sierra Leone is a deep closer; he prefers to sit far off and slowly rev up for one big charge. He stands to benefit if he has a hot pace to run into Saturday.

Fierceness, by contrast, has shown a desire to run at or near the front; a pace that heats up too much could doom him if he gets drawn into it. More modest early fractions, by contrast, should put him in a stronger position when the race turns for home.

It's off to the races as they say.

Fans of 19th-century hitmaker Stephen Foster should turn on NBC now for the timeless "Old Kentucky Home" performed by the University of Louisville's Cardinal Marching Band.

The official state song of Kentucky remains a popular feature of Derby Day despite growing discomfort with the the song's antebellum tale.

While Foster's tune was composed to decry slavery, "Kentucky Home" has also been viewed as a romanticized telling of America's most disgraceful times.

What I love is trying to find a long shot, and I’ve got my eye on one in particular. He has a running style that has fared well in the past, not contesting the pace but not sitting so far off it that he gets buried in traffic. His most recent race, the Arkansas Derby, was his best yet, and there’s reason to think he could improve further. He also checks both “final fractions” boxes, and his top Beyer speed figure is 95 — on the right side of the line, where just about every Derby winner this century has been.

And, hey, I’m sentimental, too. His trainer is 88 years old, he has won four Derbies before, and he still heads to the barn in the wee hours of every morning in search of more. I’ll admit my heart is probably talking my head into this one, but the odds will be big and the Derby only comes around once a year, so why not? I’m going with D. Wayne Lukas and Just Steel.

NBC Sports' Al Bernstein says West Saratoga could present good value.

"Take a look at West Saratoga, the horse who was bought for $11,000. It’s an emotional story, as his veteran trainer (Larry Demeritte) has never had a horse this good, and he’s been fighting cancer in recent years. West Saratoga’s owner is one of those owners who is likely to buy horses at the tail end of a sale, after all the big buyers have gone home with their six-figure and beyond purchases. Harry Veruchi says he likes to buy horses for between $10,000 and $25,000, and West Saratoga was at the bottom of that range.

"West Saratoga has piled up enough points in the prep races to qualify for the Kentucky Derby, but these are deeper waters. Logic says he can’t get it done, but that’s why they run the races, where the unexpected and unpredictable tend to happen once in a while."

NBC Sports announced earlier today that it will continue to present the Kentucky Derby on NBC and Peacock through 2032.

“As we celebrate the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs is proud to extend the relationship with NBC Sports,” Churchill Downs CEO Bill Carstanjen said in a news release. “As our media partner for the last 23 years, NBC has artfully captured the most exciting two minutes in sports and the spectacle of the senses that surrounds it.”

Horses just went round the track on their way to the paddock. The stands are filling up as we approach the call to post.

Fierceness, Sierra Leone and Forever Young remain the favorites 20 minutes prior to the race.

Even though he's played on baseball's biggest stages, former MLB outfielder Jayson Werth said those diamonds don't match the Kentucky Derby.

"This is the biggest event in probably all of sports," he told NBC Sports duiring the Derby walkover. "It's a little overwhelming, it's a little hectic, it's a little nerve wracking. But we're here nonetheness. "

The 10% owner of No. 1 Dornoch said he understands the long odds his horse beat just to make it to Churchill Downs on the first Saturday of May

"We're just living the dream and breathing it all in right now," said Werth, a member of the 2008 World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies.

In a field as big as the Derby — 20 horses, easily the most that will run in a major race in the U.S. this year — it’s natural to expect chaos and to look for a long shot that’ll blow up your bank account for only a small investment.

And, certainly, we’ve witnessed some massive Derby upsets; who among us doesn’t wish they’d plopped down a few bucks on Rich Strike at 80-1 two years ago?

But as thrilling as the Rich Strikes are, they’re also rare. In horse racing, favorites win around 35% of all races run across the country in a given year.

It could range from tens of thousands all the way up to $4 million to run a horse in the Derby.

The average cost from the 2023 Kentucky Derby field was approximately $446,000. Watch more analysis from NBC Sports:

The racetrack has been home to the Kentucky Derby since 1875, according to the Derby's website. But this year, the space debuted a new $200 million paddock, which gives spectators the opportunity to observe horses from several levels of a stadium-like layout. There is also a clear view of the Twin Spires.

Churchill Downs spokesman Darren Rogers told NBC Los Angeles that the paddock area added 3,600 new seats and standing room for 3,200.

The winner of Saturday's Kentucky Derby brings in a whopping $3.1 million. Here's the full breakdown:

1st place: $3.1 million

2nd place: $1 million

3rd place: $500,000

4th place: $250,000

5th place: $150,000

Hazy skies over Churchill Downs with less than two hours to the Derby. The sun has been shining here much of the day after a rainy Friday at the track.

A handful of celebrities shared their Derby picks in a spot that aired on NBC just now. Here's a look at who some said they are cheering on:

• Kelly Clarkson is rooting for Forever Young
• Mario Lopez is rooting for Endlessly
• Reba McEntire is rooting for Sierra Leone
• Seth Meyers is rooting for Dornoch
• Howie Mandel is rooting for Just a Touch
• Joel McHale is rooting for Domestic Product
• Andy Cohen is rooting for Fierceness

"A mystery horse in here is Dornoch, a full brother to 2023 Kentucky Derby winner Mage," NBC Sports' Al Bernstein says. "If not for a mediocre fourth-place finish in the Blue Grass Stakes, he would be among the top choices. Trainer Danny Gargan feels he’s been training well, and a bounce-back performance would make him a player."

Program Trading edged Naval Power to win a dramatic Turf Classic Stakes.

Program Trading sneaked up on the rail and put his nose in front at the finish line.

It's now countdown time for the 12th race, the 150th Kentucky Derby.

The mint julep is considered the unofficial Derby drink. At the actual event, the cocktail is reportedly being sold for $22 per drink.

But if you're watching from home, you can just make your own. Follow Today.com's recommended recipe, or get tips from Martha Stewart, who shared her Derby recipes for a lemon-mint julep and savory deviled eggs with a creamy Benedictine dip with the "TODAY" show.

Jimmy Fallon surprised a spectator at the Kentucky Derby with the "Ford Most Adored" award based on her outfit.

Attendees were eligible to win the big prize if they stopped by the 360 camera Clubhouse Gate activation, which was conducted in partnership with Ford.

NBC Sports' Al Bernstein said Sierra Leone "presents a brilliant counterpoint to Fierceness."

The horse, trained by Chad Brown, "is the fastest of the late-closing horses in this race, with his win in the Blue Grass Stakes serving as evidence," Bernstein wrote in his analysis.

But "his fastest race in the Blue Grass was not even close to the race turned in by Fierceness in the Florida Derby," Bernstein noted.

Read more in Bernstein's full analysis.

Jay Croucher and Drew Dinsick discuss their strategies for determining horses to fade at the Kentucky Derby and which horses have positive outlooks.

Country star Wynonna Judd garnered cheers from attendees after her performance of the national anthem.

She previously described being able to perform at the Kentucky Derby as a "full circle moment."

Former MLB outfielder Jayson Werth nervously paced the halls of Churchill Downs on Saturday, waiting for the 12th race when his Dornoch runs for the roses.

Werth, a member of the 2008 World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies, owns about 10% of the Kentucky Derby entrant racing from the No. 1 post.

“It’s surreal: We kind of got into this as a hobby, and it’s turned into a passion,” Werth recently told The Associated Press. “I’ve got a passion for the sport like I would’ve never thought, and I want to share it with the world.”

Werth enjoyed a highly productive 15-year career with the Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays and Washington Nationals.

Gun Pilot pulled away to victory at the Churchill Downs Stakes, adding to the long-winning resume of trainer Steve Asmussen.

Gun Pilot covered the 7 furlongs in 1:21.95.

A $2 win bet on the 5-1 shot brought a payout of $12.68.

Wynonna Judd is set to perform the national anthem.

The country music star, who was born in Ashland, Kentucky, shared her excitement about the performance on Instagram in April.

"Kentucky, I’m coming HOME!" she wrote in the caption of her post. "Couldn’t be more excited to announce I’ll be performing the national anthem at this year’s 150th @kentuckyderby !!! From going to the racetrack as a little girl to now singing the Star-Spangled Banner during this MILESTONE year, it’s such a full circle moment."

In the week leading up to the performance, she also shared an image of herself wearing a fascinator while posing with a horse on both Instagram and X.

The track conditions could have a major impact on today's race. Earlier it was sloppy and muddy but has now dried out and no rain is expected. Prepare for a fast track.

Emmy Award-winning actor Sheryl Lee Ralph apparently almost didn't have a hat for Derby weekend.

In a post on X on Friday, the "Abbott Elementary" star said Smokey Robinson’s "beautiful wife Frances" gave her a hat so she didn't have to go hatless for the big event.

"Look what she gave me," Lee says in the video. "They [the Robinsons] made me Derby-perfect."

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce appears to be having a blast during Derby weekend.

Last night, he was spotted at the Sports Illustrated Revel at the Races hanging out with The Chainsmokers.

But this Swiftie wants to know: Is Taylor coming?

Looks like probably not, as Kelce rolled up on Saturday without the superstar by his side.

NBC is the broadcasting home for the Derby, meaning there's a lot of corporate synergy.

Among the NBC Universal properties that have a presence this weekend? A Minion, from the popular "Despicable Me" franchise. ("Despicable Me 4" rolls out in theaters in July.) The Minions' official account promoted the Derby with a post, featuring an image of the yellow cartoon character. "The odds just got odder," the caption read.

Universal Pictures also had a Minion on-site at the Derby. NBC Sports reported the on-site Minion was Kevin.

Every year, the Derby draws in a lot of A-listers (a mix of celebrities, athletes and musicians) who flock to Kentucky to catch the race and check out the parties.

Among the biggest parties? The Barnstable Brown Gala, which took place on Friday. Hosted by Louisville native Patricia Barnstable Brown, the gala raises money for diabetes research and support for the University of Kentucky’s Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center. This year's guest list reportedly included Kid Rock, Aaron Rodgers, Tracy Morgan, Josh Groban, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Smokey Robinson, Jack Harlow and many others. On Saturday, post-race, there will also be a Winner’s Party at the Kentucky Derby Museum.

USA Today and the Louisville Courier Journal rounded up a list of the biggest parties here.

Saturday's red carpet also drew in big names like influencer Alix Earle, musicians Jack Harlow and Thomas Rhett Akins.

According to Mary Omatiga of NBC Sports, the fastest Kentucky Derby time ever recorded was 1:59 2/5 in 1973 by Secretariat.

"Secretariat’s record at the Kentucky Derby remains unbroken. The only other Thoroughbred that has completed the Derby under two minutes was Monarchos and his jockey Jorge Chavez, who finished the 2001 Kentucky Derby in 1:59.97."

NBC Sports' Al Bernstein broke down why Fierceness "cannot be left off anyone’s betting tickets."

Reason No. 1? "Trainer Todd Pletcher is the winningest trainer ever in North America, based on purse earnings," Bernstein writes in his analysis. "He’s a two-time Kentucky Derby winner. Plus, "Fierceness has run faster than all his competitors in this race."

Read more analysis here.

Trikari came from behind at the end to take the race at 47/1 odds.

Sure, the Kentucky Derby is mostly about the horses. But as most onlookers know, it's also very much a big day for hats. Today, you'll see attendees sporting large, lavish hats that are decorated with everything from ribbons to fascinators.

Kentucky Derby Museum curator Chris Goodlett told NBC News' Philadelphia affiliate that the hat-wearing tradition is as old as the race itself.

“The presence of ladies in the grandstand added great splendor to the racing scene,” Goodlett told the outlet. “News articles in 1875 make reference to the dress of the ladies, with specific mention of hats.”

This year’s favorite, Fierceness, enters the Derby with a peculiar track record. He has won three previous races in absolutely dominating fashion, by a combined total of 31 lengths.

But his two other races have been total clunkers: a 20 ¼-length seventh-place finish in last fall’s Champagne Stakes and a baffling third-place finish (as the 1-5 favorite against suspect competition) in February’s Holy Bull Stakes. Many see Fierceness as the ultimate boom-or-bust horse — one who either wins with ease or loses in a rout.

On Saturday, Fierceness’ first task will be to break cleanly and establish his preferred forward position. That alone is no given, because he’s breaking from the 17th post and will need to work his way toward the inside quickly.

Longshot Trikari rallied to a thrilling upset victory in the American Turf Stakes.

The 47-1 dark horse covered the 1 1/4-mile course in 1:43.59, came strong late and roared past favorite Formidable Man in the final strides.

A $2 win wager on Trikari returned a monster $96.34 payout.

The safety of racehorses is top of mind at the 150th Derby, after 12 horses died last year.

Churchill Downs Inc., the track’s parent company, said it reviewed its safety protocols and industry standards and implemented “key enhancements” for the 2024 races.

The updated protocols include: track maintenance, the establishment of a safety management committee, increased veterinarian oversight and implemented predictive technology to identify potential injuries before they happen.

The red carpet at Churchill Downs is popping so far.

This weekend's event features a 360 Glam Cam on the red carpet "for celebrities to show off their Derby Day outfits and make their race picks," according to an NBC news release. (The cam is not unlike what you'd see at big Hollywood events.)

E! News is also reporting live from the event, with Zanna Roberts Rassi giving fashion insights and posting content on social media in the hours leading up to the event, NBC said in its release. Rassi posted on Instagram this week, saying she's bringing "all things FASHION, HATS, CELEBS, MINT JULIPS…. I believe they have some horses racing too..??"

Mage, a 3-year-old colt at the time, was crowned last year's winner, with a time of 2:01:57, according to data collection agency Equibase.

Gustavo Delgado Sr. was Mage’s trainer, and Javier Castellano was Mage’s jockey.

It's a sea of hats at the Derby as crowds pack Churchill Downs.

1. Dornoch (20-1)

Trainer: Danny Gargan

Jockey: Luis Saez

2. Sierra Leone (3-1)

Trainer: Chad Brown

Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione

3. Mystik Dan (20-1)

Trainer: Kenny McPeek

Jockey: Brian Hernandez Jr.

Since 1875, spectators have gathered at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, to witness the Run for the Roses.

The initial idea for Churchill Downs was sparked in 1872, when Col. Meriwether Lewis Clark attended the Epsom Derby in England. When Clark made his way back to the States, he sought to create a track similar to England’s that Kentucky racers could call home.

A few years later, that desire came to fruition when Churchill Downs was born. The track’s first official race day came May 17, 1875, with three major stakes races — the Kentucky Derby, the Kentucky Oaks and the Clark Handicap.

Who: 20 3-year-old horses

Purse: $5 million

Distance: 1¼ miles

Forecast: 79 degrees with a 35% chance of rain