Medina Spirit, owned by Amr Zedan of 黑料社区, won the Kentucky Derby by a half-length in front of a limited crowd on Saturday, with Mandaloun and Hot Rod Charlie coming in second and third respectively.
The win ensured that Bob Baffert, with seven Kentucky Derby wins, is the most successful trainer in the race鈥檚 history, while jockey John Velazquez has four Derby wins to his name.
The 46-year-old Zedan, who founded Zedan Racing Stables in Kentucky five years ago, was delighted with the win.
鈥淭his is really surreal,鈥 he said after the race. 鈥淚 really just can鈥檛 believe it.鈥
Zedan also had special praise for Median Spirit鈥檚 legendary American trainer.
鈥淲ith Bob, you鈥檙e just witnessing art in motion and I can鈥檛 thank him enough,鈥 he added.
Zedan bought Medina Spirit for $35,000 last year, and now the chairman of the Saudi Polo Federation and a board member of the Saudi Equestrian Authority has achieved a lifelong ambition in winning one of the world鈥檚 most famous races.
Speaking to Arab News in early February, Zedan was hopeful that one of his horses would challenge for the Kentucky Derby.
鈥淢y dream is to win the Derby some day, if not this year, then next year. We keep trying. That is the mission of Zedan Racing Stables,鈥 he said.
