Victor Espinoza aboard California Chrome (5) celebrates as they cross the finish line to win the 2014 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.(Photo: Jerry Lai USA TODAY Sports)


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  • Horse racing has not had a Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978



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Favorite California Chrome easily won Saturday's Kentucky Derby.


The winner had almost a perfect trip. He broke well out of the gate, settled in among the leaders and when jockey Victor Espinoza asked him for a kick he exploded past the field.


He won by 1 3/4 lengths after Espinoza eased him up towards the finish line.


Commanding Curve was second and Danza third.


It was his fifth consecutive win and 77-year-old Art Sherman become the oldest trainer to win the Derby.


California Chrome's co-owner Steve Coburn was asked what could match a victory in the Derby.


"Nothing at all. Nothing, nothing," Coburn said.


The next Triple Crown race is the 1 3/16-mile Preakness on May 17 with the 1 1/2-mile Belmont Stakes on June 7.


There have been 11 Triple Crown winners but no horse has swept the three races since Affirmed in 1978. Since then 12 horses have won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness but could not win the Belmont.


Asked about the Triple Crown, Coburn said "we'll see you all in Maryland. Then we'll see you in New York. We'r going. We're going. Why not?"


This year's Derby was run with 19 horses.


The race has a maximum field of 20. Qualification is based on a points system pegged to designated stakes races for 2-and-3-year olds.


The field was reduced to 19 when Hoppertunity was scratched Thursday due to a potential foot problem. Pablo Del Monte was 21st in the points standings, but his owners opted not to race him in the Derby.


The second largest crowd ever -- 164,906 watched the race live.


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