Race for the (White) Roses
In a race that will be remembered as one of the most thrilling in Kentucky Derby history, Mystik Dan, owned by Sigma Nu alumnus Daniel Banks Hamby, III from the Gamma Upsilon Chapter at the University of Arkansas, emerged victorious in a nail-biting finish. The 150th running of the Kentucky Derby saw Mystik Dan edge out his competition by a mere nose, solidifying his place in the annals of horse racing lore.
Mystik Dan's triumph is not just a personal victory for Hamby but also a significant chapter in Sigma Nu's connection to the world of horse racing. The Legion of Honor was well represented at Churchill Downs, with several Sigma Nu brothers having claim to the horses featured in the race. Brother Larry Connolly, a Lambda Chapter alumnus (Washington & Lee), had two horses, Dornoch and Society Man, competing in the prestigious race under the banner of his syndicate, West Paces Racing. Track Phantom, the horse that set the early pace and led the field through the initial stages of the race is owned by another alumnus from the Gamma Upsilon Chapter, Jerry Caroom. Finally, Stronghold, Epic Ride, and Just Steele, three other competitors, were cared for at Mulholland Springs Farm, owned by John Mulholland, a proud alumnus of the Gamma Iota Chapter at the University of Kentucky.
Mystik Dan's journey to Derby glory was anything but ordinary. As an 18-1 shot, the bay colt was considered an underdog, but he defied the odds with a brilliant performance. Jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. skillfully navigated the horse through a tightly packed field, seizing an opportunity when a gap opened along the rail. Mystik Dan's final push to the finish line was a display of sheer determination, as he held off challenges from Sierra Leone and Forever Young in a photo finish that took several minutes to confirm.
The victory was especially sweet for Hamby and his cousins, Lance and Brent Gasaway, who co-own the horse. Together, they bred Mystik Dan, a "working-class horse" whose pedigree lacked the star power typically associated with Derby winners. Trainer Kenny McPeek, who hails from Arkansas and has a history of upsets in Triple Crown races, described the win as a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team.