Kentucky Derby: Jockey Victor Espinoza calmer before the draw
Jockey Victor Espinonza and American Pharoah are led to the starting gate before the start of the Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Ark., on March 14.
The draw for the 141st Kentucky Derby will be held on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Eastern time, and jockey Victor Espinoza is feeling relaxed.
Well, more relaxed than last year.
Espinoza, who will be aboard expected favorite American Pharoah, rode California Chrome to victory in 2014 from the No. 5 spot.
Espinoza said Wednesday that he was wracked with nerves as he waited to hear California Chrome’s name and starting position.
“Everbody’s name except my horse’s name was called and it’s, like, ‘When is it going to happen?’” Espinoza said outside trainer Bob Baffert’s barn at Churchill Downs. “Oh, my God, my stomach. It was just cramping up.”
Last year, Vicar’s in Trouble drew the first position on the first draw, but it wasn’t until Harry’s Holiday got the No. 2 post that Espinoza said, “I started to loosen up a little bit.”
Espinoza said he would not be as nervous at today’s draw.
“This year it doesn’t matter to me or to [American Pharoah],’’ he said. “Any post is good.”
Get our high school sports newsletter
Prep Rally is devoted to the SoCal high school sports experience, bringing you scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
