137th Kentucky Derby

SI Staff | May 9, 2011

137th Kentucky Derby

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Steve Buttleman, the official bugler at Churchill Downs since 1995, gets Derby day started.

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A man dressed as Colonel Sanders makes his way through Churchill Downs, bucket in hand.

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Picturesque hats were out in full force, though headgear and sunglasses weren't needed with cloudy skies.

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Forecasted rain held off at race time, but that didn't stop the Slip-'N-Slide action.

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This spectator went for the butterfly effect.

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This hat had a little bit of everything, including patriotism.

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A fitting choice for the Run for the Roses.

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The 19-horse field shot out of the gates shortly after the 6:24 p.m. ET post time, just as Justin Verlander was finishing up his no-hitter.

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Shackleford took the early lead and held it for the majority of the 1 1/4-mile race.

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The race was deemed by many to be wide open with no hands-down favorite, though Dialed In went off with the best odds, 5-1. Despite the unaccomplished field, a record crowd of 164,858 watched at Churchill Downs.

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Shackleford continued to lead as they made their way toward the stretch.

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But John Velazquez rode Animal Kingdom to the lead with a late charge.

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Animal Kingdom won by 2 3/4 lengths. Nehro was second and Mucho Macho Man was third.

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Velazquez was supposed to ride early-week favorite Uncle Mo, but he was scratched and Velazquez boarded the 20-1 underdog instead.

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Animal Kingdom had never raced on dirt before.

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Barry Irwin, owner of Animal Kingdom, lifts the Derby trophy.

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Animal Kingdom's quest to become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed (1978) resumes at the Preakness Stakes on May 21.