Jockey-trainer duo reflects on pulling off Oaks-Derby sweep

Yahoo

02-05-2025

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56) — Winning the Kentucky Derby is one of the most difficult feats in all of sports, let alone horse racing. Even more rare is winning both the Derby and the Oaks, but there is one duo that made that happen.
'I mean, going into last year, we went into both of those races really optimistic, thinking we had a really, really big chance,' said jockey Brian Hernandez.
A chance that, after an Oaks Day win, turned into a shot at history the very next day.
'That was probably the longest two minutes in sports in my life is what I've always told everyone, you know, because I've ridden quite a few Derbies in the past, and I've always kind of thought that if you get to the eighth pole in front in the Kentucky Derby, horses don't really surge late. And when those two horses surged at us the last few jumps and we weren't certain,' said Hernandez.
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One of the most dramatic finishes in Derby history, fitting for a historic achievement with a photo finish in the Derby, and pulling off an Oaks-Derby double.
'Before that year, it had only been done eight times. So, to be able to be the ninth jockey to do it, it was an incredible feat, and we were just so proud of both horses, to step up and be the best horse on the right day,' Hernandez said.
Joining Hernandez in rarified air is trainer Kenny McPeek, a man who spends countless hours getting horses ready to race and one who has had several close calls in the past.
'These are races that I had been kind of around the bullseye on. I had run well in the Oaks, had been second three times, which was a little frustrating, but I really went into the Oaks expecting to win. Thorpedo Anna, from the beginning, been such a high-level talent,' said McPeek. 'The Derby was a race that I thought, and I knew that I was going to need to have a bit of racing luck and, fortunately, we got a great ride from Brian, and we were able to pull the double off.'
Something that takes true teamwork to pull off.
'We've kind of grown to learn and to trust one another, and that's the fortunate thing: when I ride for Kenny, he goes out there and legs me up and just lets me do my own thing,' Hernandez said.
'We keep it real simple. We work hard to try to figure out whatever talent level horses we get and where they settle into, and Brian's a big part of the team,' McPeek added.
A dynamic duo that is ready to repeat.
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Jockey-trainer duo reflects on pulling off Oaks-Derby sweep
'I'm not going to tell you anything complicated. You get a good horse, you keep him in a good routine, you get him eating well, you get him happy, they run well,' McPeek said.
FOX 56 reporter Vasi Prokos asked Hernandez, 'Do you think you can win both the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby again this year?'
'We're going in there with big chances. The nice thing about it is, I know I'm going in there with two really nice horses and a lot of confidence, said Hernandez.
And when it comes to big races, McPeek stays true to his winning ways.
'I don't take pre-race photos. I believe you save all your photo energy and photo mojo for the winner's circle, and so when somebody asks, 'hey, can we get a picture before the race?' I'm like, 'No, no, no, no.'' McPeek said.
FOX 56 reporter Vasi Prokos asked McPeek, 'What do you think about the saying sweep, like McPeek? Have you heard that?'
'I haven't that one, no, but they call it the McDouble,' laughed McPeek.
Hernandez simply calls it a moment he and his family will never forget.
'It's history-making. So, it's, you know, you're proud of the accomplishments, but I think I was more proud of the horses. And, you know, it's something that we're going to be able to look forward to the rest of our lives and my kids as well, you know, it's something that they can brag about,' added Hernandez.
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As for Derby 151, the excitement continues to build for both Hernandez and McPeek. The duo will partner up again with Take Charge Milady, hoping to win the Oaks again this year.
Hernandez will be running in this year's Derby as well, but not with McPeek. He and trainer Ian Wilkes are hoping to ride the momentum of Burnham Square's win at the Blue Grass Stakes into the Derby. Kenny McPeek will train Render Judgment, the horse of the late Toby Keith.
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