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Jockey John Velazquez Rides Animal Kingdom to Victory in the 2011 Kentucky Derby

A record crowd of over 164,858 gathered at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 7th to watch 19 horses and their jockeys make a Run for the Roses in the 137th Kentucky Derby. Comma To The Top got off to a fast start and Shackleford took the early lead, with Derby favorite Dialed In in dead last. But today belonged to Animal Kingdom and John Velazquez ? your winners of the 137th Kentucky Derby. Coincidentally, this is Velazquez's first Kentucky Derby win and Animal Kingdom's first-ever race on a dirt surface. Rounding out the top four is Nehro, Mucho Macho Man and Shackleford.

That was fast. The 137th Kentucky Derby got off to a quick pace with Shackleford taking the early lead and Kentucky Derby favorite Dialed In far behind the field in dead last.

A record crowd of 164,858 horse racing fans were on hand to witness history in the making as jockey John Velazquez and 3-year-old thoroughbred Animal Kingdom surprised most everyone to take the win on Saturday, May 7th under a gray but dry sky at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.

Velazquez, oddly enough, was bumped from his original ride on Friday when top Derby contender Uncle Mo was scratched. You can call it luck or destiny, but whatever the case may be -- the day belonged to Velazquez and Animal Kingdom.

"I thought I had a really good trip," Velazquez said. "It was a bit tight, but I held my ground."

Talk about a good trip -- perhaps even more impressive is the fact that this was Animal Kingdom's first race on a dirt surface.

Animal Kingdom paid $43.80, $19.60 and $13 on a $2 bet. Nehro returned $8.80 and $6.40. Mucho Macho Man paid $7.

With the 2011 Kentucky Derby now in the books, Animal Kingdom and Velazquez have their sights set on the second jewel of the Triple Crown -- the 2011 Preakness Stakes on May 21 at Pimlico.