Kentucky Derby Highlights: Mystic Dan's Victory

Did you miss the race or want to witness history all over again? Check out the full story below.

“My horse was very competitive on the inside around the far turn,” jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. said after the win. “It came out of a really tight spot, so I kind of climbed on the rail a little bit, and he was able to shoot that spot and cut the corner, so I asked him to shoot it. And then he took the shot. I was like, “Oh, we have a chance to win the Kentucky Derby.''

It was Hernandez's first Kentucky Derby victory.

McPeak told NBC Sports that Brian Hernandez Jr. “did a great job” in leading Mystic Dan to victory.

“I mean, it's been ridden by a great, great, great jockey,” McPeak said as he awaited official ruling from Churchill Downs about his placement. “Brian is great, probably the most underrated jockey in racing. I'm alone. But that's not the case anymore.” ”

Hernandez was also elated with the win.

“I can't believe it,” Hernandez said while still on top of Mystic Dan. “The few minutes I waited for the call were the longest I've ever spent in my life. … It's hard to explain in words.”

Mystic Dan finished just ahead of Sierra Leone in a dramatic photo finish.

Mystic Dan completed his 150th running of the legendary horse race. He finished at odds of 16-1. Sierra Leone came in second place.

All 20 horses are walking towards the gate. The race will take place exactly five minutes later at 6:57pm ET.

Sierra Leone is even closer. He prefers to sit far away and rev up slowly so he can make one big charge. He will benefit if he can have some hot pace heading into Saturday.

In contrast, intensity indicates a desire to run at or near the front. If he gets caught up in the heated pace, it could be his downfall. In contrast, a more modest opening position would put him in a stronger position when the race turns home.

Off to the races, as they say.