The Latest on Saturday’s 145th running of the Kentucky Derby.
JUST IN: Maximum Security wins the 145th Kentucky Derby.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — The Latest on Saturday’s 145th running of the Kentucky Derby (all times local):
6:45 p.m.
Heavy rain has caused the main dirt track at Churchill Downs to be downgraded from fast to sloppy for the Kentucky Derby.
Bad weather that was expected arrived about three hours before post time. Rain fell harder as race time grew closer, making for a tough trek for the handlers and connections as they marched from the backside barn area around to the front stretch.
An off track is nothing new for Maximum Security, the 4-1 favorite. The unbeaten colt earned the second of his four victories by 6½ lengths in a muddy six-furlong race at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 24. He entered the Derby with 3 1/2-length win in the Grade 1 Florida Derby on March 30.
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4 p.m.
After several hours of an overcast but dry sky, a light drizzle is falling at Churchill Downs in the prelude to heavier rain expected to arrive in time for the Kentucky Derby.
The main track and turf are fast and good for now, though that is expected to change.
Spectators continue to mill and mingle throughout the paddock and grandstand with drinks and racing programs in hand. Not to mention plastic rain ponchos in preparation for the main downpour.
