Bill Mott’s lone Kentucky Derby victory came with an asterisk in 2019, but the Hall of Fame trainer didn’t hesitate when faced with a hypothetical question from a stranger.
What do you say to someone at the airport when they ask if you’ve ever won the Kentucky Derby?
“I say, ‘Damn right I did,’” Mott said with a laugh.
Mott’s Country House — a 65-1 long shot — crossed the finish line second but was declared the winner of the 2019 Kentucky Derby after the disqualification of Maximum Security.