Explanations And Excuses: Kentucky Oaks Jockeys React In Race Aftermath

Brian Hernandez Jr., Thorpedo Anna, winner: “I felt confident. She was out there and feeling comfortable. It means so much to win it for this team. Kenny (McPeek) and his barn have done a lot for my career.”

Junior Alvarado, Just F Y I, runner-up: “She ran a great race. The winner just ran a better race. Turning for home I thought I had a chance to win the race but I was just second best.”

Jose Ortiz, Regulatory Risk, third: “I had a perfect trip. I’m very happy for the filly that got a Grade 1 placing. I’m very happy for the owners who do a great job and support me.”

Tyler Gaffalione, Ways and Means, fourth: “I’m proud of her effort. I don’t think she completely cared for the track. It was too much on the sloppy side for her. She traveled great to the quarter pole but when It came to go, I didn’t have much left to go with.”

Abel Cedillo, Everland, fifth: “I think she ran a huge race. It was the first time she ran on the dirt and especially today being sloppy.”

Daniel Centeno, Power Squeeze, sixth: “The weather didn’t help today. She didn’t really like the track. She was not comfortable out there but I made a little run at the end. She ran OK but the track was no help.”

Julien Leparoux, Into Champagne, seventh: “She ran a great race. We had a great trip. I was right behind the winner the whole race and saving ground the whole time. She tried hard but the question coming into the race was distance. It was just a little too far for her but she tries hard all the time. I’m very happy with her.”

Keith Asmussen, Lemon Muffin, eighth: “That was a lot of fun.”

Flavien Prat, Tarifa, ninth: I was disappointed. She never made any move. I can’t blame the sloppy track because she won on it this winter. It just wasn’t her day.”

Jose Lezcano, Where’s My Ring, 10^th: “She broke a little slow today. There were a lot of horses that had speed. I tried to go but she relaxed. I got a little run from her in the middle of the race but just finished even.”

Joel Rosario, Our Pretty Woman, 11^th: “She ran really well but sometimes the outside post is not easy for some horses. I had a little wide trip on the first turn and it looked like everyone had the same idea to be close to the front early in the race. She handled it well for a while but she did the best she could.”

Florent Geroux, Gin Gin, 12^th: “I was very far back and could only pass a couple horses.”

Irad Ortiz Jr., Leslie’s Rose, 13^th: “She was comfortable early but we didn’t have much run turning for home. No excuses.”

Luis Saez, Fiona’s Magic, 14^th: “Good trip, just couldn’t finish with these horses.”