“Thoroughbred racing is a sport where everyone has their own opinion, but we heard a lot of fans in all age groups say Saturday was the greatest day in track history,” said Tampa Bay Downs Vice President and General Manager Peter Berube. What happened?  It was Destiny!  This past Saturday at The Downs Lambholm South 'Tampa Bay Derby Day' Twin Creeks Racing Stables Trainer Todd Pletcher raced Kentucky-bred Destin, a three-year-old colt purchased during the September 2014 yearling sale for $400,000.  Destin raced with stablemate, 'Outlook'.  It certainly turned out to be a GREAT day for Twin Creeks Racing Stables as Outlook placed second!  Destin however broke a track record running 1:42.82 in the mile-and-a-sixteenth Grade II Stakes race edging out Outlook at the finish, earning 50 Derby points and a $210,000 purse locking up his spot in the 2016 Kentucky Derby.

The Greatest Day In Track History, It Was Destiny

Winning jockey Javier Castellano said this following his history making ride,  "It was a beautiful trip; he broke sharp out of the gate and put me in good position behind the top two horses. I thought there would be a little more speed, but the way he set out was beautiful. I asked him for more turning for home and he responded so well. He finished good and the way he galloped out was phenomenal, especially after the track-record time. The way he's been doing, he could be a Grade I Kentucky Derby horse. He could be destined to win it—who knows?"

Destined for Kentucky Derby fame and fortune? Destin's winning Sam F. Davis Stakes race 2/13 @ Tampa Bay Downs  

 

Why All The Excitement?

Destin beat the Stakes Record set in 2007 by Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense!  And, Destin's  Beyer Speed Figure of 100 was the highest this year for a 3-year-old horse in a two-turn race. To put that number in perspective, last year's Triple Crown winning horse, American Pharoah had a Beyer Speed Figure of 120.
 

Is it Destin's Destiny to win The Kentucky Derby in 2016?

Only time will tell.  Destin is currently ranked #2 on the Kentucky Derby site, and as Javier Castellano put it, "He could be destined to win it—who knows?"
 
What we here in Tampa Bay do know for sure is Derby Day will be that much more exciting to watch following Destin's greatest day in the history of Tampa Bay Downs!  Tampa will excitedly watch this spectacular thoroughbred and his award winning jockey compete in  “the most exciting two minutes in sports” while screaming at our TV's, "Go Destin, GO!"  

Tickets to witness the 142nd Run for the Roses are nearly sold out, stay connected as we update you on local Watch Parties, our favorite Mint Julep bars, Kentucky Derby hat and party ideas, Tampa Bay Downs Kentucky Derby events and more!

 

The Details:

  • Date of the Kentucky Derby 2016 at Churchill Downs : May 7th
  • National Anthem: Josh Groban @ 5:00 pm
  • Riders Up call: Jockey's take their mounts @ approx. 6:15 pm
  • They're Off!: @ approximately 6:34 pm

And the rest as they say is destiny!  Will we see Saturday's Tampa Bay Derby Day winner draped with the historic Garland of Roses as those connected to Destin are presented with the Kentucky Derby Trophy this year?  We hope so!

CONNECT and stay informed, create your profile today and connect to the events and businesses you enjoy. 

If you enjoyed reading this article you might also enjoy:
Make the Backyard at The Downs Yours with Family Fun Days (Tampa Bay Downs is family-friendly)

Photo courtesy of: Abby Hernandez Martinez ·