LOUISVILLE, Ky., May 4 (UPI) -- Trainer Bob Baffert hasn't lost any of his enthusiasm for winning the Kentucky Derby.
Saturday's victory with War Emblem was his third and the white-haired trainer already was recruiting owners for another.
Baffert won the Derby in 1997 with Silver Charm, owned by Bob and Beverly Lewis. He reprised the following year with Real Quiet for his good friend Mike Pegram. This year, he won for Saudi Prince Ahmed bin Salman.
"At the eighth pole, you get this incredible feeling when you know your horse is going to win," Baffert said. "In the last 100 yards, you want the feeling to last forever."
He added, "I wish I could win this race for all my clients. I won it for Bob Lewis. I won it for Mike Pegram. Now I've won it for the Prince." He paused, then added:"So sign up now!"
The victory was a bit of a "make up" for Salman, who had expected to win the Kentucky Derby last year with Point Given, only to see that colt finish fifth with Baffert as his trainer.
All was forgiven Saturday."Bob Baffert is a genius," the prince declared in the winner's circle.
