The 150th edition of Kentucky Derby’s sister, Kentucky Oaks, 2024, on May 4th, saw Thorpedo Anna emerging as the undisputed winner. Guided by jockey Brian Hernandez Jr., the Kenny McPeek-trained filly not only left her competitor on the field behind but also took it away from the pre-race favorites like Tarifa who was the leading favorite with 7-2 odds. But how richer did the winner become after this win?

The Kentucky Oaks boasted a hefty purse of $1.5 million, a significant increase from the previous year’s $1.25 million. The victor walked away with a handsome $750,000. Both the trainer and jockey received $75,000, leaving the remainder for the owner. This year’s Kentucky Oaks faced the challenge of a sloppy dirt track, courtesy of persistent rain.

Visibility of the barns on Churchill Downs’ backstretch became challenging. Thorpedo Anna seized an early lead from gate No. 5, maintaining her position throughout. Despite efforts from Just F Y I, her speed proved insurmountable, securing the victory. The 3-year-old Kentucky-bred filly, faced numerous challenges on her journey to victory at Churchill Downs.

After a four-month hiatus, she stormed to a four-length win at Oaklawn Park’s Grade 2 Fantasy Stakes, securing her spot in the Kentucky Oaks. The Oaks, part of a 13-race card, drew a crowd of 107,236 despite the rain. The day began with steady drizzles, tapering to intermittent showers. Turf races moved to dirt because of the weather, resulting in eight scratches. Now let’s take a look at other runners up!

Exciting runners up in the list

Runner-up, Just F Y I captured second place, while Regulatory Risk secured third, completing a thrilling trio. But the excitement didn’t stop there. The exotic bets added an extra layer of thrill, with the exacta (5-13) delivering a rewarding $38.20, the trifecta (5-13-4) an impressive $897.16, and the superfecta (5-13-4-11) a staggering $4,725.21. This triumph marked the trainer McPeek’s inaugural Oaks victory. Anna, aptly named after a Louisville swimmer, had previously dominated her last two races in late 2023 at Churchill Downs & Keeneland.

“I felt confident,” Thopedo Anna’s jockey, Brian Hernandez Jr., said after the win. “She was out there and feeling comfortable. It means so much to win it for this team. Kenny [McPeek] and his barn have done a lot for my career,” he further added.

As the dust settled, the order of finish showcased Thorpedo Anna’s dominance, followed closely by Just F Y I (4 3/4 lengths), Regulatory Risk (7 3/4 lengths), Ways and Means, and Everland. Now Anticipation builds for tomorrow’s 150th Derby, with expectations of a muddy track. While many spectators are leaving after the Kentucky Oaks, racing enthusiasts remain to catch the two remaining races at Churchill Downs, undeterred by the sudden downpour.