Mage wins the 149th Kentucky Derby

Mage took home race number 149 of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday at Churchill Downs in Louisville, winning the race at odds of 15-1.

Going into the homestretch, Two Phil’s were the leader by at least a length, with a huge herd of Thoroughbreds running behind.

From the outside, Mage found her way to the front of that group. A couple of strides later, she was past Two Phil’s and didn’t look back.

Angel of Empire made a late move, but it wasn’t enough as Mage and jockey Javier Castellano finished in 2:01.57. Two Phil’s finished in second place, and Angel of Empire placed third.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

The race was not without controversy. Seven horses died in the week leading up to the race, two of them on the Derby undercard. One of the horses that died, Wild on Ice, was expected to enter the Derby.

Churchill Downs Incorporated has suspended trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. indefinitely after two of his horses died in recent days at the track.

A general view of the roses in the winner’s circle with the Twin Spiers in the background before the 148th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 7, 2022, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. (Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

KENTUCKY DERBY 2023: WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE FIRST STAGE OF THE TRIPLE CROWN OF HORSE RACING

On top of that, five thoroughbreds were eliminated from the big race, including morning favorite Forte just hours before the race. It was the first time since 1936 that five horses had been eliminated from the Kentucky Derby.

«This is part of the racing and it’s the cruel part,» Forte co-owner Mike Repole said in an interview with FanDuel TV.

General view before the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 6, 2023 in Louisville, Ky. (Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The next leg of the Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes, is scheduled for May 20 in Baltimore.