Kentucky Derby Winner Mystik Dan Wins Lukas Classic at Churchill Downs With Substitute Jockey

Mystik Dan, the 2024 Kentucky Derby winner, claimed another victory at Churchill Downs by winning the $500,000 Lukas Classic-G2, demonstrating his signature inside rail rally under substitute jockey Francisco Arrieta. With regular rider Brian Hernandez Jr. sidelined due to serious injuries, Arrieta skillfully guided Mystik Dan through a narrow opening in the stretch to secure the win by three-quarters of a length, marking the colt's fourth Churchill Downs graded stakes triumph and boosting his career earnings near $5 million. Trainer Kenny McPeek praised Mystik Dan's turn of foot and confirmed plans to target the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile at Del Mar in November, a race McPeek views as ideal for the colt's stallion prospects. The Lukas Classic win also carried emotional significance as it was the first running of the race since the passing of Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, a close friend of McPeek. Despite Mystik Dan's recent form dips and his jockey's absence, the victory reaffirmed the colt's class and resilience at his favorite track. Owners and trainer expressed gratitude toward Hernandez Jr. and optimism for Mystik Dan's upcoming Breeders' Cup campaign.