The Kentucky Derby, often referred to as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” is more than just a horse race; it’s an annual cultural phenomenon that encapsulates the spirit of tradition, competition, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. For trainers and jockeys, the significance of this 151-year-old event is profound. Many dedicate their lives to not just competing in this prestigious race, but to winning it. One such fervent participant was the late Larry Demeritte, who, despite starting out from humble beginnings, competed in his first Derby at the remarkable age of 75, proving that the passion for horse racing transcends age.
Kenny McPeek stands as a testament to this eternal quest for glory. During the historic 150th running of the Derby, McPeek etched his name into racing lore when his horse, Mystik Dan, triumphed, marking a momentous milestone for both horse and trainer. This was not just a win; it was a wrap on a long years-long journey for McPeek, who earlier that day had already celebrated winning the Kentucky Oaks with a filly named Thorpedo Anna. This dual victory allowed him to achieve the rare Derby Oaks Double, something accomplished by only two other trainers in history, namely the legendary Ben Jones, whom McPeek has long admired.
Reflecting on his win, McPeek shared, “To be included in the same breath as Ben Jones is special.” His history with the Derby was a saga marked by near-misses, with his closest attempt being with Tejano Run in 1995, juxtaposed against victories in the Preakness (2020) and the Belmont Stakes (2002). This rich backdrop of striving and sacrifice made his success in 2024 all the more poignant.
The Tattoo That Celebrates a Legacy
McPeek’s journey took an exciting turn when he honored his promise made long ago. Following his Kentucky Derby victory, he took to X (formerly Twitter), announcing his tattoo—a piece of art celebrating his Derby Oaks Double achievement, complete with “150” inked in gold, alongside two flowers—the rose and lily, traditional symbols of the Derby. This tattoo did not just encapsulate his triumph; it embodied years of aspirations, hard work, and unyielding determination.
The artwork extended across his entire upper arm, making a bold statement and serving as a permanent reminder of a dream fulfilled. However, the tattoo also highlighted the deeper significance of his 2024 victory: it underscored the culmination of a lifelong quest and the emotional layers involved in reaching such a prestigious milestone in his career.
An Unexpected Twist for 2025
As the 2025 Kentucky Derby approached, an unexpected turn of events added intrigue to McPeek’s story. Despite having just achieved an unparalleled victory, McPeek found himself without an entry in the upcoming Derby. This realization came after Render Judgment, a promising horse who had finished fifth in the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes, fell short of qualifying. However, in a twist of fate, McPeek found a last-minute opportunity when Brad Cox pulled Tappan Street from the race due to a condylar fracture.
Cox stated, “He has a little crack. It does require surgery, and obviously, he is out of the Derby.” This injury opened doors for McPeek’s entry, providing yet another layer of emotional depth to the event. Render Judgment, notably one of the last horses trained directly by the late singer Toby Keith, added a touch of sentiment to the race. McPeek shared, “This is one of the last horses owned by Toby Keith, and his family must be really excited about this.” The late singer’s dream of having a horse compete in the Derby was about to come to fruition, making this entry a poignant narrative even before the race began.
Despite the outcome—Render Judgment finishing 16th—this entry was a dream realized not just for McPeek but also for the late singer’s legacy. “It was Toby’s dream….Render Judgment is going to the Kentucky Derby,” celebrated his official page. Even if it didn’t end with a victory, the significance was profound, marking yet another chapter in a storied tradition.
