Favorite American Pharoah claims Kentucky Derby victory
Updated
8:03 PM EDT, Sat May 2, 2015
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Favorite American Pharoah claims victory in the 141st running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 2.
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Jockey Victor Espinoza won the famous "Run for the Roses" for the third time.
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The Mexican also triumphed last year on California Chrome and in 2002 riding War Emblem.
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Espinoza gave trainer Bob Baffert his fourth victory in the opening leg of U.S. horse racing's Triple Crown, winning by a length from Firing Line as the 5-2 pre-race frontrunner.
Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for Churchill Downs
Dortmund, also trained by Baffert and starting at 4-1 odds, led for most of the race but finished in third place.
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Firing Line, rated 9-1 and ridden by three-time Kentucky winner Gary Stevens, also had time out in front.
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But Espinoza brought American Pharoah home for their fifth successive victory together for owner Ahmed Zayat.