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Woodbine jockey Kimura, Mandarin Hero draw into Kentucky Derby

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Woodbine jockey Kazushi Kimura will ride in the Kentucky Derby on Saturday at Churchill Downs. Kimura's horse, Mandarin Hero, drew into the field Thursday. The Japanese-trained horse secured post No.
Canadian Press
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In a photo provided by Benoit Photo, Strand Beach's Paris Secret and jockey Kazushi Kimura, right, win the Grade III $100,000 Providencia Stakes Saturday, April 29, 2023 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif.THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Benoit Photo via AP

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Woodbine jockey Kazushi Kimura will ride in the Kentucky Derby on Saturday at Churchill Downs.

Kimura's horse, Mandarin Hero, drew into the field Thursday. The Japanese-trained horse secured post No. 22 for the opening crown of American racing's Triple Crown after Lord Miles was scratched.

"I am so excited to get this opportunity," Kimura said. "I hope it can be a memorable day for the connections, the horse and myself."

Mandarin Hero has registered two second-place finishes this year, the last coming in last month's Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby. The horse has four wins and two second-place efforts in six career starts, having amassed more than US$386,000 in earnings.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 4, 2023.

The Canadian Press