Photo by Jenny Doyle/Past The Wire

It certainly was. Kentucky Derby 150 was a glorious celebration at Churchill Downs. And well over 150,000 in attendance and a worldwide television/streaming audience saw yesterday that TRIKARI is a very special colt.

If you follow this page, you know we’ve thought so for quite some time. As Graham said to Scott Hazelton in the paddock before the American Turf Stakes-G2, “I loved him from the beginning. It’s not a surprise that he’s so good, but I think he’s getting better. He’s a lovely, big horse.”

To those savvy handicappers who had Trikari – congratulations. Sent off as one of the longest shots in the field at 47-1, he rewarded them with a payoff of $96.34 – $40.20 – $22.98. Trikari shocked while heavily favored Legend of Time (GB) and Frankie Dettori faded to fifth.

A breathless Umberto Rispoli beamed to Donna Brothers immediately after the race that “his turn of foot was amazing. At the 1/16th pole I said ‘We’ve done it….!'”

With this win yesterday, Trikari joins the list of top horses campaigned by owners Amerman Racing LLC. Their very best horse remains Trikari’s sire, Oscar Performance. Mr. & Mrs. John Amerman were on hand yesterday to see Trikari and their Kentucky Derby entrant Endlessly, another son of Oscar Performance. And Mr. Amerman answered what has likely been a question that many have had, emphatically telling a charmed Brittany Eurton that Trikari’s name is pronounced “TRICKERY…..it’s TRICKERY!”

By any name, it was pure magic to watch – that’s for sure. So AGAIN we extend very happy congratulations to his owners, breeders Michael A. Slezak and Amy Boll, jockey Umberto Rispoli and to Mill Ridge Farm, who stand Oscar Performance.

There’s been plenty of wonderful coverage, so please enjoy the following links and celebrate with us!

Trikari Shocks Sophomore Rivals

Oscar Performance Colt Triggers Massive Payouts 

Trikari Triumphs in the American Turf 

Photo by Lori Barger/NBC Sports