Kentucky Derby (G1)-winning trainer Kenny McPeek was celebrated July 2 in Lexington for his many achievements in the Thoroughbred industry. Mayor Linda Gorton proclaimed it “Kenny McPeek Day” in the city.
McPeek, a Lexington native, this year became the first trainer since 1952 to win both the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1) at Churchil Downs.
Speaking during the presentation, he shared heartfelt sentiments about his deep-rooted connection to Lexington, emphasizing how his upbringing in the city profoundly influenced his career path and identity.
“My roots are here, and I can give so many stories of how growing up here in Lexington influenced what I ended up doing professionally,” he said. “I don’t think if I had grown up anywhere else, I would be here today.”
It wasn’t just the trainer’s victories with Mystik Dan in the Derby and Thorpedo Anna in the Oaks that he was honored for at the Lexington Government Center Tuesday. McPeek’s Derby win completed a personal Triple Crown after winning the 2002 Belmont Stakes (G1) with 2002 and the 2020 Preakness Stakes (G1) in 2020 with Swiss Skydiver .
Gorton highlighted McPeek’s achievements, saying his career “exemplifies the best of Thoroughbred racing and the best of Kentucky.”
McPeek was also lauded for creating the popular horse racing app Horse Races Now. The app has been downloaded over a million times since its launch in 2012.
Several city council members, State Sen. Donald Douglas, and Judy Hicks, one of Thorpedo Anna’s owners/breeders, joined the celebration.
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