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Justify overcomes sloppy Churchill Downs to win 144th Kentucky Derby

Justify won a rain-laden Kentucky Derby on Saturday.

The horses and jockeys were forced to navigate sloppy conditions at Churchill Downs in the first leg of the Triple Crown. More than 2 1/2 inches of rain had fallen in Louisville, Kentucky, on Saturday, according to local meteorologists, making it the wettest Derby day ever.

Justify is the sixth consecutive favorite to win the Derby, extending the longest streak of favorites winning in race history.

Justify is the ninth undefeated Kentucky Derby winner, and is undefeated in four career starts.