Cox accepts trophy at Kentucky Derby Trainers' Dinner
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The annual Kentucky Thoroughbred Association’s Kentucky Derby Trainers’ Dinner always includes a trophy presentation to the reigning Derby-winning trainer. This year’s honoree, Brad Cox, was quick to acknowledge the elephant in the room Tuesday night at the Speed Art Museum in Louisville.
“Obviously, everyone in the room knows this has been a very different way of getting to the Derby winner’s circle, or accepting a Derby win,” Cox said. “But I’m very proud of Mandaloun and the race that he ran.”
Cox’s Mandaloun crossed the wire second by a half-length to the late Medina Spirit in the 2021 Derby. Medina Spirit was later found to have betamethasone, which is prohibited in Kentucky on race day, in his system. In February, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission handed down a disqualification, declaring Mandaloun the winner. That decision is under appeal.
An edited replay of the 2021 Derby preceded the trophy presentation to Cox. The video focused on close-up shots or references to Mandaloun within the race call. The conclusion showed Mandaloun charging up on Medina Spirit with Larry Collmus calling “and here’s the wire,” and ending before the two crossed the line.
Cox will saddle three horses for this Saturday’s renewal of the Derby – Cyberknife, Tawny Port, and Zozos.
“We’re in a great position this year,” Cox said. “I’m excited about all three horses.”