Mage’s Racing Career: A Chronicle of the Kentucky Derby Winner

Mage, the 2023 Kentucky Derby winner, had a relatively short but impactful racing career. Based on available information, Mage raced at the following tracks: Churchill Downs, Gulfstream Park, Monmouth Park, Pimlico Race Course, and Saratoga. He secured wins at Churchill Downs (most notably the Kentucky Derby) and Gulfstream Park. His major stakes win was, of course, the 2023 Kentucky Derby (G1). While his Triple Crown bid fell short, his performances captured the hearts of many racing fans.

Mage’s Key Races and Performances

Mage’s journey to the Kentucky Derby was swift, and his performance in the race itself was remarkable. Here’s a more detailed look at some of his key races:

• Gulfstream Park Races: Before the Derby, Mage ran at Gulfstream Park, gaining crucial experience and securing at least one win. These races were instrumental in preparing him for the challenges ahead. One such race was the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2), where the colt’s $290,000 price tag looked like a bargain.

• Kentucky Derby: Mage’s defining moment came at the 2023 Kentucky Derby. Overcoming a crowded field and demonstrating incredible stamina, he secured a historic victory. This win made him the first Derby winner with strong ties to Venezuela in over half a century.

• Preakness Stakes: Following his Derby win, Mage entered the 2023 Preakness Stakes with high hopes for a Triple Crown bid. However, he faced a tough challenge and finished third, with National Treasure taking the win. Early traffic hampered his progress, preventing him from replicating his Derby success.

• Other Races: The article mentions races at Monmouth Park and Saratoga, but details regarding specific races and their outcomes are not provided. It’s safe to assume these races were part of his overall preparation and development as a racehorse.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Mage’s Racing Career

Here are some frequently asked questions about Mage’s racing career, designed to give you a deeper understanding of his performances and background:

1. Did Mage run in the Belmont Stakes?

No, Mage did not run in the 2023 Belmont Stakes. His connections decided to give him a rest after a demanding schedule that included the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. He was sent to The Thoroughbred Center in Lexington, Kentucky, to recover.

2. Is Mage a Venezuelan horse?

While Mage is an American thoroughbred, he has significant ties to Venezuela. He is considered the first Derby winner with such connections in over half a century, owing to some of his ownership links to the South American country.

3. Why didn’t Mage run in the Belmont?

Mage was ruled out of the Belmont Stakes due to exhaustion after the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. His owners and trainers prioritized his well-being and opted for rest and recovery.

4. How did Mage place in the Preakness 2023?

Mage finished third in the 2023 Preakness Stakes. National Treasure won the race, narrowly defeating Blazing Sevens.

5. What happened to Mage at Preakness 2023?

Mage encountered traffic early in the race, which hindered his ability to challenge for the lead. While he made a late surge, he ultimately finished third behind National Treasure and Blazing Sevens.

6. How many owners does Mage have?

Mage has a unique ownership structure, with approximately 382 stakeholders from across the United States and other countries. This is due to Commonwealth, which sold micro-shares in the horse, allowing many people to participate in his racing journey.

7. Is Mage a colt or filly?

Mage is a chestnut colt. He was bred in Kentucky by Grandview Equine.

8. How much did it cost to purchase Mage?

The colt, Mage, was purchased for $290,000. His success in the Kentucky Derby and other races suggests this was a worthwhile investment.

9. Could Mage have won the Triple Crown?

After winning the Kentucky Derby, Mage had a chance to win the Triple Crown. However, his third-place finish in the Preakness Stakes ended his Triple Crown aspirations.

10. Where was Mage bred?

Mage was bred in Kentucky by Grandview Equine. Kentucky is known for its rich history of thoroughbred breeding and racing.

11. Which horses have won the Triple Crown since Secretariat?

Since Secretariat‘s historic Triple Crown win in 1973, only three horses have achieved this feat: Seattle Slew (1977), Affirmed (1978), American Pharoah (2015), and Justify (2018).

12. What is Mage’s pedigree?

Mage is sired by Good Magic, the U.S. Champion Two-Year-Old in 2017. Good Magic also finished second in the 2018 Kentucky Derby.

13. What were Mage’s wins?

Mage secured wins at Churchill Downs (the Kentucky Derby) and Gulfstream Park. Specific details about the Gulfstream Park win are not provided.

14. Did Mage have any injuries during his career?

Mage got stitches for a cut above his eye after bumping his head in his stall, showing that even champions face minor setbacks.

15. What is unique about Mage’s ownership?

Mage has a remarkably diverse ownership structure due to Commonwealth selling micro-shares. This allows hundreds of individuals, even those with limited financial resources, to participate in owning a Kentucky Derby winner.

The Lasting Impact of Mage

Mage’s story is a testament to the unpredictable nature of horse racing. His Kentucky Derby victory, coupled with his diverse ownership, created a feel-good narrative that resonated with many. While his Triple Crown bid fell short, his performances and the story surrounding him contributed to the ongoing allure and excitement of the sport.

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Mage’s racing journey, though relatively brief, has left an enduring mark on the landscape of horse racing. He remains a symbol of hope, resilience, and the dream that anyone can be part of a champion’s story.