10 hours Ago By Vasi Prokos
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDKY) — The horse starting out of gate 15 during Kentucky Derby 151 won't have the greatest odds of winning, but it does hold sentimental value.For decades, Toby Keith lived his dream singing in front of thousands of fans across the globe.
Now, just a year after his death, a lesser-known dream of the country music star is about to be realized when one of his horses gets his shot on Kentucky's biggest stageKeith's horse, Render Judgment, was not in the field for the Derby but became a late entry after Florida Derby winner Tappan Street suffered an injury to his right foreleg. The late singer's team shared the news on social media, saying it was Toby's dream to have a horse in the Derby, and now he'll have the best seat in the house to watch it run. What is horse racing doing to prevent catastrophic injuries?Tommy Gandolfo is a lifelong friend of Keith.
The two owned several horses together over the years, and he told Nexstar's WDKY that Keith's love of horse racing was unmatched.Gandolfo said he can't wait to cheer on Render Judgement in the Derby, knowing how important this moment would be to his friend."That is the greatest thing that ever happened.
These people spend hundreds of millions of dollars to try to get to the Derby. And here he is. He's one of 20 people that have made it to the Derby," said Gandolfo.
"I've always been friends with Toby and stayed close to him all the way up until his death, and he's just a great guy. He was just the most common guy you've ever been around in life. He was bigger than life.
But I'll tell you, he was just...
he was a common guy's buddy."Kenny McPeek, who trains Render Judgment, described Toby's passion for the sport as endless. With just a few days left to go, McPeek said Render Judgment needs to show a lot more in training, but knows anyone can win come race day.
"It's going to be a pay-setup race. He's going to need to come from behind; he's going to need to show a lot quicker, turn the foot, than he's shown before. So, he's got his work cut out for him.
But we're going to hope that there's pace in the race; we're going to hope [jockey Julien Leparoux] can find a clean trip, and then let him fire away in the end."Gandolfo said Keith's family will be at Churchill Downs this weekend, and despite his odds being long, he'll be betting on Render Judgment to be in the winner's circle come Saturday night.McPeek said winning this year's Derby would be extra special, given the significance.
Render Judgment is opening at 30 to 1 odds. Post time for the 151st Kentucky Derby is 6:57 p.m.
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