TORONTO, May 8: Giacomo staged a stirring charge down the home stretch to become the second-longest priced winner in Kentucky Derby history on Saturday, claiming the 131st Run for the Roses by half a length. Without a victory in three starts this season, the 50-1 shot named after the son of British musician Sting was given a perfect ride by Mike Smith to capture the $1.6 million winner’s purse for the first jewel of the Triple Crown.

Stalking early pacesetter Spanish Chestnut before moving into contention on the final turn, Giacomo out-sprinted Closing Argument and Afleet Alex in the closing stages for a famous victory.

The win marked one of the biggest upsets in Derby history, a $2 win ticket on the three-year-old grey colt returning $102.60.

Only Donerail’s shock win in 1913 paid more at $184.90.—Reuters