Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Kenny McPeek was celebrated July 2 for his many achievements in the Thoroughbred industry. Lexington mayor Linda Gorton proclaimed it Kenny McPeek Day in the city.
McPeek, a Lexington native, this year became the first trainer since 1952 to win both the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1).
He shared heartfelt sentiments about his deep-rooted connection to Lexington, emphasizing how his upbringing in the city profoundly influenced his career path and identity.
“My roots are here, and I can give so many stories of how growing up here in Lexington influenced what I ended up doing professionally,” he said. “I don’t think if I had grown up anywhere else I would be here today.”
It wasn’t just the trainer’s victories with Mystik Dan in the Derby and Thorpedo Anna in the Oaks that he was honored for at the Lexington Government Center Tuesday. McPeek’s Derby win completed a personal Triple Crown after winning the Belmont Stakes (G1) with Sarava in 2002 and the Preakness Stakes (G1) in 2020 with Swiss Skydiver .
Gorton highlighted McPeek’s achievements, saying his career “exemplifies the best of Thoroughbred racing and the best of Kentucky.”
McPeek was also lauded for his creation of the mobile app Horse Races Now, which according to its website aims to “provide a full complement of live racing feeds, race replays, current news, and handicapping tools.” The app has been downloaded more than a million times since its launch in 2012.
Several city council members, Sen. Donald Douglas, and Judy Hicks, one of Thorpedo Anna’s owners/breeders, joined the celebration.
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