FRANKLIN, Ky. (WBKO) – Horses and jockeys came from all over to compete in the Nashville Derby Invitational Stakes held at Kentucky Downs.<\/p>\n
This seven day competition has a variety of purses and prizes for competitors to win. Saturday\u2019s competition featured 12 different races, giving racers multiple opportunities to place.<\/p>\n
Director of Marketing John Wholihan describes the variety of horses at the race and the high stakes that come with competing.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe tend to attract horses from many states. They come in here partially because of the big money, and there\u2019s a bit of prestige now with our races including graded stakes, races with purses that go over $1,000,000,\u201d said Wholihan.<\/p>\n
Horse Trainer Ryan Walsh says this race comes with a lot of preparation for the horses and isn\u2019t something taken lightly for those involved in the sport.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s very enjoyable. I mean, it\u2019s seven days a week, which isn\u2019t for everybody because they need to train,\u201c said Walsh. \u201dThey need to exercise, they need to eat and get their stall clean. So I mean, you\u2019re very committed when you\u2019re in this industry, but it\u2019s fun, it\u2019s a lifestyle.”<\/p>\n
Professional jockey Jose Ortiz already got four wins on his first day. Ortiz said he has more goals to accomplish moving forward throughout the competition.<\/p>\n
\u201cOpening day, we had a great day, we got four wins, said Ortiz. \u201dIt\u2019s great to get a jump start. We won a stake already. Obviously I want to go for leading rider, so yeah, it\u2019s a great start.”<\/p>\n
Coming from a family of riders, Ortiz grew up with racing and even went to school for it. He hopes to continue competing for at least the next 10 years.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy grandpa was a rider, my uncle was a rider and my older brother is a rider as well, said Ortiz. \u201cAt 16, I went to a jockey school in Puerto Rico. I was in a two year program there and I graduated from that and I moved to the United States.\u201d<\/p>\n
Concluding the second day of racing with a win from colt Wimbledon Hawkeye and jockey Frankie Detorri.<\/p>\n
Governor Andy Beshear was the one who presented Detorri with his trophy: a signed guitar in honor of the Nashville Derby.<\/p>\n
Races will continue after Saturday and are planning to conclude Wednesday, Sept. 10.<\/p>\n