Photos: Kentucky Derby 2014, start to finish
How the 140th Kentucky Derby unfolded Saturday, May 3, at Churchill Downs:
California Chrome breaks alertly alongside Danza, while both Wicked Strong and Commanding Curve are forced to take back from their outside posts. [Photo by John Bambury]
Entering the first turn, California Chrome tucks neatly behind pacesetters Uncle Sigh (inside) and Chitu. Danza, who was roughed up down the straight the first time by stablemate Vinceremos, secures a spot inside horses while Wicked Strong gets hung wide. Commanding Curve has just one horse beat. [Photo by John Bambury]
Turning into the homestretch, California Chrome strikes to the front and quickly opens daylight. Danza and Wicked Strong are in and among horses, looking for a seam to run through. Commanding Curve is angled to the outside to find clear sailing. [Photo by Justin N. Lane]
Approaching the sixteenth pole, California Chrome has the Derby well in hand. Danza finds running room and looks poised to go by weakening frontrunners for the runner-up spot, but Commanding Curve looms boldly on the outside. Wicked Strong continues to suffer traffic woes and is stuck down along the inside. [Photo by John Bambury]
Victor Espinoza rises up in the saddle in exultation as California Chrome becomes the 140th Kentucky Derby winner. Commanding Curve rallies strongly for second, Danza finishes well to hold the show, and Wicked Strong, finally extricating himself in the shadow of the wire, nips Samraat in a photo finish for fourth. [Photo by Barbara D. Livingston]