LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Nyquist kept his perfect record intact, winning the 142nd running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday to prolong the buzz that American Pharoah created a year ago when he won the first Triple Crown in 37 years.
Ridden by Mario Gutierrez, who also won the Derby with I’ll Have Another in 2012, Nyquist pushed his record to 8-0.
Despite being the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner, the 2-year-old champion and the 3-1 morning-line favorite, Nyquist has had to work to prove himself to horse racing fans who are unsure if he is worthy of following in Pharoah’s footsteps.