Dispersal Holds Off Majesty’s Imp to Win Louisiana Derby for Santos

Dispersal fought off a late rally by Majesty’s Imp, holding on in the home stretch to win the $150,000 Louisiana Derby Sunday.

Jockey Jose Santos took Dispersal to an early lead and had a two-length advantage coming around the final turn. Majesty’s Imp moved up along the rail with one furlong to go, but Dispersal held on for the victory. The winning time for the 1 1/16 miles was 1:43 4/5.

“He’s a little green, but he sure has an awful lot of talent to be the third time out and win the Louisiana Derby,” said Dispersal’s trainer, Grover (Bud) Delp. “He’s got to be a little special. I just hope he’s as good tomorrow as he was today.”

Owned by Harry and Tom Meyerhoff of Maryland, Dispersal paid $9.00, $5.80 and $3.60. Majesty’s Imp paid $9.20 and $4.20, and Dansil, the morning line favorite, paid $2.80 to show.

“I think everyone here feels it’s a good start toward the Triple Crown,” Delp said.

Risen Star, who won the Louisiana Derby last year, went on to win the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes.