From a wild ending to Brady and Baker: Best of Kentucky Derby social media
Marty Smith describes the atmosphere after Maximum Security was disqualified, saying the scene was unreal. (3:33)
The Kentucky Derby is always a scene, full of pageantry and celebrities. But this year’s race also became a scene when it witnessed a first in the 145-year history of the race: a winner disqualified for interference.
Some of the reaction on social media was straightforward and paid homage to the historic — and shocking — nature of how things unfolded, from the disqualification to a 65-1 long shot ending up in the winner’s circle.
After an objection review, Maximum Security (4-1) has been disqualified.
Country House (62-1) and jockey Flavien Prat have won the Kentucky Derby! 🐎 pic.twitter.com/I6Up7aZTCd
Today at the Kentucky Derby, Maximum Security became the first horse in derby history to have a 1st-place finish changed via disqualification. pic.twitter.com/nZ5wnEO48x
Country House wins the 145th Kentucky Derby.
Country House entered the race with 65-1 odds to win, making him the 2nd-longest shot to win the Kentucky Derby in the 145-year history of the race (Donerail, 91.5-1 in 1913). pic.twitter.com/V85DMSW9qP
Yet others were simply puzzled by what transpired.
This is literally my first horse race. But as nasty as these conditions were, I don’t think I could have taken the win away from #MaximumSecurity #KentuckyDerby
If it’s that easy for a horse to get disqualified how did it take 145 runnings of the Kentucky Derby for it to happen?
All of us who’ve covered motorsports forever, now watching everyone freak out over #KentuckyDerby2019 having long postrace reviews and talk of blocking and changed results and all the confusion that comes with all the above… pic.twitter.com/S6kYFYSd4v
Of course, the Kentucky Derby is known for more than just the race itself, even when the race ends in such bizarre fashion. It’s also known for parties, fancy hats — and plenty of celebrities. The 2019 Derby was no different, with several pro athletes in attendance and featured on social media, including New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield and IndyCar racer Josef Newgarden. Even the Stanley Cup was at Churchill Downs.
Here are some of the top prerace social media posts from the sports world at this year’s Kentucky Derby.
*Insert gif of me yelling Let’s Go below* pic.twitter.com/1yRGoDk9MU
.@bakermayfield lookin’ good on the #KentuckyDerby red carpet 👌 pic.twitter.com/CGlKEynWru
On the @KentuckyDerby red carpet 🏇#KyDerby #GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/H2pD5Ttovi
Happy Derby Day! #KentuckyDerby pic.twitter.com/Wr2HreJ4b1
“We’re going to the Kentucky Derby, you know what it is.” 😂@616evans4 | #KYDerby pic.twitter.com/IsMH5AgfSx
A group of Gold Jackets are styling on the @KentuckyDerby red carpet pic.twitter.com/sc98ETR6O2
Stanley stopping in at the #KentuckYDerby before his relocation to Dallas next month.#KYDerby #GoStars #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/Lc4FXgorLT
We’ve arrived! @KentuckyDerby | @NBCSports | @IndyCar | @IMS pic.twitter.com/4Lxms8GnWP
I’m told often that I have the best job in the world.
I agree!
But this man is close!
He’s already covered the Olympics and the Super Bowl. He’s at his first @KentuckyDerby today. And he’s headed to the Indy 500 in a couple weeks!
Great chat on @SportsCenter today.
Proud of him. pic.twitter.com/LtKsPQHUaS