I'll Have Another Wins 138th Kentucky Derby

Photo Credit: David J. Phillip/AP Photo

With the 2012 Kentucky Derby running its course, favorite Bodemeister looked set to win, while I'll Have Another looked like just another horse at the derby. That was until the final furlong, which was when jockey Mario Gutierrez made his move. Gutierrez and I'll Have Another pulled away from the pack and became level with Bodemeister, who was leading. It was I'll Have Another who had something left in the tank as he made the pass to secure victory in the Kentucky Derby.

Both the jockey and horse were relatively unknown to most viewers, including many owners and trainers. I'll Have Another was granted a 15-1 shot at winning. Receiving the number 19 post, did not help the horse's odds of winning at all. No horse had ever won the Kentucky Derby out of that post, but that changed today. Bodemeister set a blistering pace from the onset, but it was I'll Have Another who closed the race the strongest.

The son of a jockey, Mario Gutierrez grew up on a small farm in Veracruz, Mexico. He began racing near his home, before immigrating to Vancouver, Canada to continue his career. With growing acclimation and success in Canada, Gutierrez decided to make his move to the United States. While racing in Southern California, owner J. Paul Reddam took notice of this young Mexican jockey. As trainer Doug O'Neill recalls, "Paul said, 'Let's give this kid a chance.'" Gutierrez made his debut jockeying I'll Have Another in the Robert Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita, which they won, despite having 43-1 odds. They then won the Santa Anita Derby, before entering the Kentucky Derby. In this race, the pair looked like seasoned veterans, who rode a simply masterful race. When asked the inevitable question of the possibility of a Triple Crown, O'Neill couldn't contain his excitement. He exclaimed, "Maryland, here we come baby!" This means we'll have another chance to watch Gutierrez and I'll Have Another race. This provides yet another chance at the coveted Triple Crown.