Mystik Dan, right, wins the Kentucky Derby in a photo finish on Saturday, May 4, 2024. Michael Clevenger and Christopher Granger/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

Photo finish at 150th Kentucky Derby marred by controversy

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 5/6/24

Mystik Dan won by photo finish at the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, but the historic moment didn't come without controversy.

Down the stretch run, second-place finisher Sierra Leone and Japanese horse Forever Young engaged in what appeared to be legal bumping. However, replays created a valid argument that a foul potentially occurred.

WOW.

Mystik Dan WINS the 150th Kentucky Derby in a PHOTO FINISH! pic.twitter.com/N2jfd2TsKe
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) May 4, 2024

I have never been so proud of a weekend of shooting as I have been this weekend. Thank you to EVERYONE who has made this possible. pic.twitter.com/B4WeLIwL8X
— Casey Laughter (@casey_laughter) May 4, 2024

Ultimately, a foul claim didn't occur, surprising many around the horseracing community.

Responding to the brief mention of a possible foul on the race's broadcast, longtime horseracing columnist Bruce Clark chimed in, saying a claim "Should have been" made. Likewise, former jockey Jose L. Verenzuela made the same argument, calling for Forever Young to be promoted to second place while also questioning whether jockey Ryusei Sakai was aware he could contend that a foul was committed.

Talk about a great weekend for Kenny McPeek and Brian Hernandez! A great rider who delivered two picture perfect trips on the biggest stages.

Also - anyone else a bit surprised there was no inquiry/objection between Sierra Leone and Forever Young?
— Acacia Courtney Clement (@acacia_clement) May 4, 2024

Even without a claim against Sierra Leone jockey Tyler Gaffalione, others argued that it shouldn't have mattered. Peter T. Fornatale of Sky Sports was one of many stunned by the lack of an inquiry, sharing the opinion that the track stewards should've made the call for Sakai and Forever Young.

It is unclear how the contact between Sierra Leone and Forever Young may have impacted Saturday's incredible photo finish. Regardless, the moment will forever be overshadowed by the winner, Mystik Dan.

Not only did the 16-1 odds shot win the race, but it secured history for trainer Kenny McPeek. Coupled with Mystik Dan's Derby victory and McPeek's horse Thorpedo Anna's win at the Kentucky Oaks on Friday, he became only the fourth trainer ever to sweep both races and the first since 1952.

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