Thaindian News

It was not a pleasant day for Kentucky Derby winner ‘Mine That Bird’, as even the classic finishing kick wasn’t good enough to make them emerge as the victor. Instead, the West Virginia Derby witnessed ‘Soul Warrior’ pulling up a stunning upset on Saturday in the 40th running of the Grade 2, $750,000 West Virginia Derby at the Mountaineer park, leaving back a weary ‘Big Drama’ while ousting ‘Mine That Bird’ in the final furlong.

In the absence of Miguel Mena, local jockey Dale Beckner picked up the mount, as reports suggest that Miguel had apparently missed the flight from Saratoga earlier in the day. ‘Soul Warrior’ returned $48 after finishing the race before Big Drama while ‘Mine That Bird’ was one and a half lengths back in the field.

The West Virginia Derby victory marks the third victory in the last five years for the reigning eclipse Award winning trainer, Asmussen. According to the sources, Asmussen was at the Saratoga on Saturday and won the Jim Dandy there only minutes after the West Virginia Derby.

The event was apparently dominated by the speed horses. ‘Big Drama’ with Eibar Coa riding on it, started off with a huge lead and seemed that they will take the race down to the wire. But during the ‘far turn’ of the 1 1/8, Mine That Bird and Soul Warrior began to draw closer with ‘Soul Warrior’ emerging victorious despite a valiant attempt by hat Bird.

“The way the race track was made all day was like whoever takes the lead will win,” said Mike Smith, the rider of ‘Mine That Bird’. ‘Soul Warrior’ which is eligible for second level allowances is owned by the Zayat Stables, LLC.