Five Star General outgames Explode in B.C. Derby

Vancouver, British Columbia – In a thriller, Five Star General edged Explode by a nose in the Grade 3, $250,000 British Columbia Derby at Hastings on Saturday.

He paid $5.90 and posted a final time of 1:52.43 in the 1 1/8-mile race.

With two-time Kentucky Derby winner Mario Gutierrez riding, Five Start General broke alertly and sat just off Explode for the first quarter-mile. Amadeo Perez eased Explode off the lead while Gutierrez guided Five Star General though a modest half-mile in 49.28 seconds. The pair hooked up at the quarter pole and dueled to the wire with Five Star General getting the nod. Final Authority, who broke poorly, rallied to finish third.

“He was eager early and I’m glad he listened to me when I asked him to conserve his energy,” said Gutierrez. “He needed it because that was a great horse he was fighting with.”

A son of Distorted Humor, the WinStar Farm Kentucky-bred is owned and trained by Glen Todd.

Gutierrez was very emotional during the post-race interview.

“It means a lot to me,” he said. “I’ve been lucky in my life and I’ve never forgot where I came from. Glen got me started here and I consider this my home. I couldn’t win the Derby when I was riding here full time, so this is very special to win it for Glen. “

Todd also won the $100,000 British Columbia Oaks with Amazonian and the $50,000 S. W. Randall Plate with He’s the Reason. Richard Hamel rode Amazonian and He’s the Reason.

“It was a huge day,” said Todd. “I don’t think anyone has ever won the Oaks and Derby on the same day.”

The $137,500 winner’s share of the purse more than doubled Five Star General’s career earnings to $273,760.