Kentucky Derby 2017 in Photos: Never Stop Dreaming
The 143rd Kentucky Derby (G1)--and its turbulent weather and tangled, wonderful story lines--is in the history books. Soon the Preakness and Belmont will be run, and then racing will turn its eyes to the two-year-old prep races and next year's Kentucky Derby.
Right now, however, the rush of the 2017 Derby and a promising colt with an emblematic name is still fresh.
Although the sun was shining, the walk over for the 143rd Kentucky Derby (G1) was over a wet, sticky track.
Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) winner Gunnevera during the walkover.
Louisiana Derby (G2) and Risen Star Stakes (G2) winner Girvin walks over with trainer Joe Sharp, whose son Tucker keeps an eye on their stable star.
Florida Derby (G1) winner Always Dreaming is composed during the walkover.
Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2) winner McCraken during the walkover.
Patch, second in the Louisiana Derby (G2), during the walkover.
Santa Anita Derby (G1) Gormley appeared the most bothered by the walkover and kicked out several times before entering the tunnel to the paddock.
The Churchill Downs crowd awaiting the post parade and the annual rendition of "My Old Kentucky Home".
Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) and Arkansas Derby (G1) winner Classic Empire and Julien Leparoux in the post parade.
And they're off in the Kentucky Derby! Always Dreaming and John Velazquez sit comfortably on the rail as State of Honor and Jose Lezcano lead the field down the stretch for the first time.
State of Honor and Jose Lezcano set the early pace in the Kentucky Derby as Always Dreaming and John Velazquez stalk to the inside, with Battle of Midway and Fast and Accurate following.
The field rounds the first turn in the Kentucky Derby.
John Velazquez and Always Dreaming win the 143rd Kentucky Derby over Lookin at Lee and Corey Lanerie.
John Velazquez and Always Dreaming win the 143rd Kentucky Derby.
John Velazquez and Always Dreaming win the 143rd Kentucky Derby.
John Velazquez and Always Dreaming win the 143rd Kentucky Derby over Lookin at Lee and Corey Lanerie.
Mike Smith watches the race on the jumbotron as he and Girvin return from a 13th place finish in the Kentucky Derby.
Lookin at Lee and Corey Lanerie return from a second place finish in the Kentucky Derby.
Battle of Midway and Flavien Prat return from a third place finish in the Kentucky Derby.
Always Dreaming and John Velazquez return from winning the 143rd Kentucky Derby.
John Velazquez embraces wife Leona Velazquez after winning the 143rd Kentucky Derby aboard Always Dreaming.
Always Dreaming and John Velazquez are walked to the Kentucky Derby winner's circle.
John Velazquez holds up two fingers to signify his two wins in the Kentucky Derby.
Always Dreaming and John Velazquez are walked before posing in the Kentucky Derby winner's circle.
Always Dreaming and John Velazquez: winners of the 2017 Kentucky Derby.
Always Dreaming: 2017 Kentucky Derby winner and motto for life.