Authentic, a champion American Thoroughbred racehorse, etched his name into history by winning the 2020 Kentucky Derby. His victory was not just a testament to his speed and stamina, but also a highlight of a unique racing season, culminating in further Grade I successes and the prestigious Horse of the Year title. His journey to the winner's circle at Churchill Downs, and his subsequent achievements, paint a picture of a remarkable athlete and the dedicated
team behind him.
The Road to the Derby: Early Career and Key Prep Races
Authentic began his racing career on November 9, 2019, with a maiden special weight race win at Del Mar Racetrack. He demonstrated early promise, stalking the pace before taking the lead and pulling away for a 1 1/2-length victory. His jockey, Drayden Van Dyke, quickly recognized his potential, telling trainer Bob Baffert that Authentic was his favorite two-year-old.
His three-year-old season in 2020 started strong with a dominant win in the Sham Stakes at Santa Anita Park. Leading from the start, he opened up a significant lead before a momentary distraction caused him to weave, though he still won by 7 3/4 lengths. Van Dyke attributed this to crowd noise. Authentic then faced tougher competition in the San Felipe Stakes, where he again led wire-to-wire, winning by 2 1/4 lengths and earning 50 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. This made him a leading contender for the Derby, which was initially scheduled for May 2 but later postponed to September 5 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. His only pre-Derby setback came in the Santa Anita Derby, where he finished second after being carried wide and tiring in the stretch. However, he rebounded with a narrow victory in the Haskell Invitational, showcasing his ability to hold off challengers even when losing concentration, a trait both jockey Mike E. Smith and Baffert noted as a sign of his immaturity but also his potential.
The Kentucky Derby Victory and Trainer's Milestone
On September 5, 2020, Authentic delivered a memorable performance at the Kentucky Derby. Despite breaking poorly from an outside post position, he quickly surged to the front, setting a brisk early pace. He maintained his lead, moving to the rail and then slowing the pace slightly. As Tiz the Law, a strong rival, challenged him on the final turn, Authentic showed remarkable resilience. The two horses were heads apart at the mile pole, but Authentic rallied powerfully in the stretch, pulling away to win by 1 1/4 lengths in a final time of 2:00.61. Longshot Mr. Big News secured third place, with Honor A. P. finishing fourth.
This victory was particularly significant for trainer Bob Baffert, as it marked his sixth win in the Kentucky Derby, tying the record previously held by Ben Jones from 1938 to 1952. Baffert credited jockey John Velazquez and assistant trainer Jimmy Barnes for the win. Barnes had suffered a broken wrist shortly before the race when Baffert's other horse, Thousand Words, flipped in the paddock. Baffert described the win as the "most emotional Derby" he had ever experienced, underscoring the challenges and triumphs of the day.
Ownership and Post-Derby Success
Authentic is owned by a partnership including Spendthrift Farm, MyRaceHorse Stable, Madaket Stables, and Starlight Racing. Spendthrift Farms, which stands leading sire Into Mischief, acquired a majority interest in Authentic, Into Mischief's most successful offspring, in June 2020. Authentic is slated to stand at Spendthrift after his retirement from racing. Notably, MyRaceHorse Stable comprises approximately 4,500 individuals who collectively bought 12,500 microshares for $206 each through an online application, representing a modern approach to racehorse ownership.
Following his Kentucky Derby triumph, Authentic continued his impressive form. He was the only horse from the 2020 Derby field to subsequently win another Grade I race, capturing the 2020 Breeders' Cup Classic. His exceptional performances throughout the year earned him the prestigious title of Horse of the Year, solidifying his status as a top-tier racehorse.
