Following Mystik Dan’s dramatic victory in the Kentucky Derby 2024, thoughts have turned to the enormous impact of famed jockey Calvin Borel. Brian Hernandez Jr., rejoicing in his Derby victory, credited Borel’s legacy for much of his glory. After horses, Rachel Alexandra and Mine That Bird took the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, respectively, in 2009, Hernandez became the recent jockey to accomplish the win.

Hernandez remembered what he learned from preparing Borel’s rides in past Derby races as he looked over his journey to victory. From Super Saver to Mine That Bird, Borel’s cunning strategy and bold personality motivated Hernandez to summon his bravery and lead Mystik Dan to victory. The memories of Borel’s victories reverberated as they crossed the finish line, highlighting the racing legend’s lasting impact. But what did Brian Hernandez say?

The X-handle of “@trifectabox“ shared the thoughts in writing, “Brian Hernandez with an ode to Calvin: ‘As a young kid out of Louisiana, I had the chance of sitting in the same corner as Calvin Borel. Watching him ride all those Derbies all those years, and today with Mystik Dan, being in the 3 hole, I watched a couple of his rides, with Super Saver and Mine That Bird, and I decided that we were going to roll the dice.’ #KyDerby.“

Hernandez’s recognition of Borel’s influence amid the jubilation at Churchill Downs emphasizes the value of mentorship and respect in horse racing. From Hernandez’s humble origins in Louisiana to his epic victories on the Kentucky Derby direction in 2024, Borel’s road embodies the signals to be ambitious.

Unreal Moment: Brian Hernandez examines his epic win

Brian Hernandez Jr. analyzed Calvin Borel’s performances aboard Mine That Bird in 2009 and Super Saver in 2010 as he took inspiration. Hernandez saw it as a privilege to pick up tips from the legendary rider Borel. Hernandez decided to “roll the dice“ and stay close to the fence during Saturday’s race, taking a cue from Borel’s tactic.

The inside track reminded him of Borel’s winning runs at Churchill Downs, so he accepted it. According to Courier Journal, Hernandez was “smiling the whole time,“ and maintained his composure throughout the difficult moments, which included a late challenge from Sierra Leone. He even made a joke about cutting the inner fence. “We might have taken out a little bit of the inside fence, but that’s OK,” he quipped.

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Trainer Kenny McPeek gave Hernandez high marks for his strategies and noted how vital they were to winning. McPeek said, “We saved ground, saved ground, saved ground.“ He continued, “Typical Brian“ highlighting the weight of Hernandez’s tactical move. Moreover, Hernandez still couldn’t believe he was winning.

He stated, “It still hasn’t sunk in,“ when he examined the race video. He continued describing the surreal moment mentioning, “I don’t know how long it’s going to take to sink in; but it’s definitely a surreal moment right now.“ His description of his intense feelings following the historic victory was spot-on.