Kentucky Oaks 2013: Princess of Sylmar Wins in Second Biggest Upset in Kentucky Oaks History

In an incredibly exciting upset Princess of Sylmar being ridden by Mike Smith won the Kentucky Oaks this Friday. Princess of Sylmar had odds of 37 to 1 going into the race making this the second biggest upset in Kentucky Oaks’ history.  Princess of Sylmar ran the course in 1:49:17.

The race itself was dramatic, with the favorite Midnight Lucky taking an early lead. Beholder can within half a length of Midnight Lucky and passed Midnight Lucky after the final turn but the most dramatic moment was to come.

Princess of Sylmar flew out like a horse possessed in the final stretch overtaking Midnight Lucky. Beholder’s jockey, Garrett Gomez, attempted to get the final push out of Beholder but could not beat the speed of Princess of Sylmar and her jockey, Mike Smith. Princess of Sylmar won by half a length.

In addition to the Kentucky Oaks Trophy, Mike Smith also received over $550,000 in prize money along with an enormous garland of lilies. Mike Smith won the Kentucky Derby in 2005 and will ride Palace Malice in the Kentucky Derby tomorrow.

113,820 people attended the race this year, the 2nd most people in the event’s history.