Mario Gutierrez wins 2nd Kentucky Derby aboard Nyquist
Former Vancouver-based jockey rides 2-1 favourite Nyquist to victory
Jockey Mario Gutierrez, who got his big start in Vancouver, has won the 142nd Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Ky.
His winning mount was Nyquist who was the 2-1 favourite heading into the race at Churchill Downs.
The Canadian-owned horse went into the race with an undefeated record of 7 wins.
Nyquist wins the <a href="https://twitter.com/KentuckyDerby">@KentuckyDerby</a>! Congratulations trainer <a href="https://twitter.com/DougONeill1">@DougONeill1</a>, Mario Gutierrez and owner Paul Reddam! <a href="https://t.co/af1XEQDMbF">pic.twitter.com/af1XEQDMbF</a>
—@ABRLive
For Gutierrez, this isn't his first time in the Kentucky Derby winner's circle.
In 2012, he took home the Derby title with I'll Have Another. The pair went on to win the Preakness Stakes, setting the stage for a shot at racing's biggest prize, the Triple Crown. Unfortunately, I'll Have Another suffered an injury the day prior and couldn't run the race.
The Mexican-born jockey raced for years in East Vancouver's Hastings Park. Today, supporters from the city gathered at the race track to cheer him on in the "run for the roses".
Gutierrez now calls southern California home, and spends much of his time racing at Santa Anita Park.
It's such a great crowd today. Everybody cheering for Mario. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KentuckyDerby?src=hash">#KentuckyDerby</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/gomariogo?src=hash">#gomariogo</a> <a href="https://t.co/2J5r3SBsDl">pic.twitter.com/2J5r3SBsDl</a>
—@HastingsRacesWith files from The Associated Press