The Mike de Kock-trained and Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al Maktoum-owned Mubtaahij became the first South African-trained horse to run in one of the world’s most famous races, the Kentucky Derby, on Saturday.

He could not live with the relentless gallop of the American horses and finished a far from disgraced 9,25 length eighth in the 18 horse field. Mike de Kock said on his website: “Those were some bloody good horses ahead of him.”

From a draw of 6 Mubtaahij hugged the rail under Christophe Soumillon and was within striking distance down the back straight. However, the leaders turned up the heat rounding the turn and never let their foots off the pedal. Mubtaahij could only chase in vain.

The favourite American Pharoah won to give trainer Bob Baffert his fourth win in the big race and jockey Victor Espanoza his third.  The race was run in front of a record crowd of 170,513.

By David Thiselton

Picture: AP

Watch the race: https://vid.me/2dbV