Congratulations to Calvin Borel and Mine That Bird

What a race!

Congratulations to thoroughbred racing jockey Calvin Borel, who rode long-shot Mine That Bird to victory in the 2009 Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 4th. At post time, Mine That Bird stood at 50-1 odds for the 135th Kentucky Derby.


Mine That Bird (Birdstone x Mining My Own) beat such 2009 Kentucky Derby favorites as Dunkirk, Pioneer of the Nile and Freesan Fire. The plucky thoroughbred won the race by nearly seven lengths. Pioneer of the Nile placed second, with Illinois Derby winner Musket Man showing for third.

Trainer Bennie Wooley, Jr., a former quarterhorse trainer from the cowboy rodeo circuit, fairly glowed with pleasure and pride at the end of the race.

Mine That Bird, purchased as a yearling for $9,500 and resold to Mark Allen and Leonard Blach in 2008 (for $400,000), bested multi-million-dollar three year olds to emerge triumphant in the 1.25-mile race at Churchill Downs for the second largest wagering payout in Kentucky Derby history.

Two years ago, jockey Calvin Borel rode Street Sense to win the 133rd Kentucky Derby. Calvin Borel has been nicknamed Bo-Rail for his ability to hug the inside rail of the racetrack, passing horses to a final victory.

On Friday, May 1st, the day before the Kentucky Derby, jockey Calvin Borel rode Rachel Alexandra to victory in the Kentucky Oaks.

Did you miss the race? Watch the 2009 Kentucky Derby here:
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