Race for the Crown episode 4 recap: The Kentucky Derby - Photo Finish

Episode 4 of Race for the Crown, titled “The Kentucky Derby: Photo Finish,” captures Derby Week's electricity—from the post position draw to the grand parade to the exclusive trainers’ dinner.

At the dinner, Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas reflects on the combined legacy in the room:

“You realize that Kenny McPeek, Todd Pletcher, and myself have won six Kentucky Derbies,” he says. “Todd has two, and I have four.”

He adds, “You go anywhere after winning it, and you will not be ready for what happens the next day—or in the months and years to come.”

The episode builds to the first of two monumental days: Kentucky Oaks Day. Rain pours, but Thorpedo Anna thrives, dominating the race. For jockey Brian Hernandez Jr., the sixth time is the charm. He and McPeek lift the Oaks trophy in the rain, and later, a pink sky glows above, matching the blanket of lilies draped over their filly.

The celebration continues into Derby Day as fans, celebrities, and the sport’s biggest names converge for the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby.

“The Kentucky Derby is a special event,” a voiceover says. “There have been 150 Kentucky Derbies. How many Super Bowls have there been?”

Tension builds as the horses break from the gate. We watch the race unfold with the players we have been following: trainers McPeek, Brad Cox, Todd Pletcher; and owners Mike Repole and John Stewart. 

It’s a three-way photo finish. No one dares celebrate too early. But the photo reveals it:

Mystik Dan by a nose over Sierra Leone, who was a nose in front of Forever Young.

McPeek and Hernandez become the first trainer/jockey duo to win the Oaks/Derby double since 1952. 

“I’m probably never going to see that pinnacle again,” McPeek says. “And it was the coolest feeling in the world.”

Later, Hernandez heads to Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse to celebrate.

“It should be under Brian Hernandez,” he tells the hostess.

“I don’t have a Hernandez,” she replies.

“It’s the Derby-winning jockey…” he says, smiling.

Moments later, he’s inside—the toast of the room.

While the Kentucky Derby is momentous, it’s only the beginning. Two weeks later comes the Preakness S. (G1). Three weeks after that: the Belmont S. (G1)—and the chance at a Triple Crown.

Keep following along with TwinSpires as Race for the Crown builds toward its thrilling conclusion in the final two episodes.

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