Damp air from early morning rain enveloped trainer Gustavo Delgado Sr.’s backside barn at Churchill Downs May 7 as Mage, the newly crowned winner of the 149th Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve, hung his head outside of his stall peacefully while owners, fans, and media alike gathered around for a glimpse.

The chestnut son of Good Magic seemed to be his usual levelheaded self after yesterday’s events and has recovered well according to his connections. He cleaned his feed tub and took a walk around the shedrow this morning which will likely be his routine for another two days before potentially going back to the track Tuesday. 

“He is very good. I talked to the vet and checked, he is OK. He is good,” said Delgado Sr., who both trains and co-owns the horse.

“The horse looks pretty amazing this morning, he’s the same cool, calm customer as he’s been from his maiden on through. All indications at the moment are that he’s doing excellent,” added co-owner Ramiro Restrepo.

A handsome 2023 Kentucky Derby winner. (Coady Photography)

As Restrepo, Delgado Sr., and his son Gustavo Delgado Jr. stood outside the barn for the standard Derby morning-after press conference, it seemed as if they were still processing the win. For Delgado Sr., just getting to the Derby has been a long coming dream after moving to America from his native Venezuela several years back, namely in the pursuit of the Triple Crown races.

“It’s different but the emotions are the same. In Venezuela, first off, all the best races are the Triple Crown and the Simon Bolivar. I had the experience with the win in the (Venezuelan) Triple Crown and Simon Bolivar. But the first time to win the Kentucky Derby is very exciting for me,” Delgado Sr. said.

Delgado Jr., who has stayed by his father’s side through thick and thin, staved off tears as he reflected on their family’s achievement.

“We’re father-son but he’s my best friend. ...We wanted this, and we worked for this,” he said. “My dad, he accomplished pretty much everything in Venezuela and for him at 60 to start over again in another country pretty much from zero, that for me, is the best example and I can’t be more proud of him.

The accomplishment also one for the other partners which are invested in Mage including Sam Herzberg of Sterling Racing and Chase Chamberlin and Brian Doxtator of CMNWLTH Thoroughbreds—a micro-shares partnership.

“This is just for all of us, a lot of time, dedication, and sacrifice, more than anything from these two boys (the Delgados) right here,” Restrepo said. “This is a game where you lose way more than you win. It’s a labor of love and you’re just dream chasing and it’s come through for all of us. Today is a very special day.

“We had that dream come true and we all have so many emotions. All of us have individual stories, things that we’ve overcome, things that we’ve given up to get here and we can finally for one brief second, exhale, and look up above and love this moment.”

Of course the $100 question hung overhead—will Mage will pursue the second jewel of the Triple Crown May 20 when the 148th Preakness Stakes is held at Pimlico Race Course? 

Restrepo answered by saying that the horse will be the best determiner in what the next step is. Despite his connections’ dreams to make it to the next stage, they want to do so with a horse whose will to win matches their own.

“In the end, Mage has to want the Triple Crown. If he comes out of the race as he appears to us here then I know Puma (Delgado Sr.) will want to go to the Preakness and all the partners will too, but it’s never going to be at the expense of the horse. But if my guy is feeling the way he’s feeling (now), then it’s on to Baltimore and crab cakes we go.”

Of course, the Delgados need no convincing.

“I know my dad. He doesn’t need much. My guess is everything is up to what we can see now, it’s a high percentage that we will try to go to the Preakness,” Delgado Jr. said.