Arkansas Derby winner Renegade finishes 2nd in Kentucky Derby

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. — Renegade, the Arkansas Derby winner, finished second Saturday in the Kentucky Derby, as more than 30,000 fans gathered at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort for the final day of the racing season.

The race often called the “fastest two minutes in sports” drew strong reactions from the Oaklawn crowd, where fans watched together as one of their own track’s top horses competed on racing’s biggest stage.

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Renegade entered the Derby as one of the favorites after winning the Arkansas Derby in March. The horse’s second-place finish fell just short of a win, disappointing some bettors but still energizing the crowd.

“I’m cheering for Renegade, that’s where my money’s at,” said Chris Ho, Oaklawn’s vice president of marketing.

Fans across the venue said the day was about more than just the outcome of a single race, as Oaklawn wrapped up its racing season with large crowds and a festive atmosphere.

“I’m having a blast, losing some money but having some fun,” said attendee Zachary Willmuth.

The event brought together both longtime racing fans and newcomers experiencing the tradition for the first time.

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“I have an aunt who had a derby party every year, so I went every year,” said first-time Oaklawn visitor Jayna Monical. “This is the closest I’m going to be to the derby.”

Others said attending races at Oaklawn has been a longstanding tradition.

“As soon as I got my driver’s license at 16, I started coming here,” said Robert Trammell. “I’ve been doing it ever since.”

Despite some losing tickets, the crowd remained lively throughout the day, with cheering and celebrations echoing across the track during both the Kentucky Derby watch and Oaklawn’s final races.

For some, the experience ensured a return trip.

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“I think it’s exciting,” Monical said. “We have a whole crew that’s coming next year.”

Saturday marked the end of Oaklawn’s racing season, closing out months of competition in Hot Springs.

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