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Derby Darling Hot Rod Charlie
The Sport of Kings crowned a new prince on Saturday when 12–1 Medina Spirit was the first to hit the wire at the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby. The win gave trainer Bob Baffert an unprecedented seventh trip to the winner’s circle at Churchill Downs.
“I’m the luckiest guy in the world,” Baffert shared with NBC. “I’m so spoiled bringing these heavy-duty horses in here, and this little horse has a big heart.”
Under picture-perfect blue skies, the track was ripe for a fast run. Essential Quality, the odds-on favorite coming into the race, was viewed as a vulnerable front runner. One of three undefeated horses to make the cut, questions still lingered about his ability to hold off speedy contenders.
In the end, this premonition became a reality. Middle gates 7, 8, and 9 produced the Derby’s win-place-show finishers, with Mandaloun (26/1) and Hot Rod Charlie (5/1) finishing second and third respectively.
While serious gamblers wrung their hands over a tricky wager sheet and a stunning upset, the casual fan remained smitten with the darling of this year’s Derby — Road Runner and Boat Racing LLC’s Hot Rod Charlie.
As the horses paraded to the starting gate, it was Hot Rod who sparked the loudest cheer from the crowd. A fan favorite, he came into the Derby with the second-most qualifying points. In what became a compelling side story, his ownership team garnered almost as much attention as he did. A Cinderella story in their own right.
Named for a beer chugging game, Boat Racing LLC came into being when five 2015 graduates and former Brown University football players decided to get into the pony business. Patrick O’Neill, nephew of well-known horse trainer Doug O’Neill, brokered the agreement.
“We certainly have a different story than most owners going to the Kentucky Derby. But our hidden agenda is to show people you don’t have to be retired, you don’t have to be a gazillionaire, you can be of our generation and be a part of this sport of kings and queens.”
The road to Hot Rod’s improbable run to the Derby began with a 94–1 second place finish at the Breeder’s Cup, followed by a gutsy third-place finish at the Robert B. Lewis Stakes (Santa Anita) despite being squeezed by two other horses. “He’s so…
