Paris Saint-Germain warmed up for the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich by fielding a second-string line-up and throwing away the lead twice in a 2-2 draw with Lorient in Ligue 1 on Saturday. Ibrahim Mbaye’s fortuitous early goal to put PSG in front at the Parc des Princes was cancelled out by Pablo Pagis for mid-table Lorient, but Warren Zaire-Emery gave the hosts the lead for the second time, moments after coming on as a second-half substitute.

However, a mistake by teenage debutant Pierre Mounguengue allowed Aiyegun Tosin to run through and score a second equaliser for Lorient, and PSG could not find a winner — even being awarded a penalty in stoppage time for a non-existent handball which was overturned by VAR.

The result means the outcome of the Ligue 1 title race remains a live issue, with PSG seven points clear of Lens who have four games remaining including at Nice later Saturday.

Lens also still have to host PSG on May 13, and Luis Enrique’s side are focused principally on the defence of their European title as they face Bayern away on Wednesday after winning 5-4 at home in a remarkable first leg.

“We needed the three points. This has opened up the title race a little bit,” admitted Luis Enrique.

“It is very difficult in terms of motivation after playing a Champions League semi-final in an incredible atmosphere, but I expect more from my players,” said the PSG coach, who made nine changes here, with Willian Pacho and Desire Doue the only players retained from midweek.

Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia were unused substitutes against Lorient while Vitinha was not in the squad.

Renato Marin, aged 19, made just his second top-team appearance in goal, and fellow teenager Mbaye made a first start in three months.

Mounguengue, an 18-year-old forward, came off the bench in the second half as the Parisians were held to a draw by Lorient for the second time this season.

Marseille misery

PSG went ahead on six minutes when Lorient goalkeeper Yvon Mvogo attempted to clear a Doue cross but instead played the ball off Mbaye before it rebounded into the net.

Pagis converted the first equaliser for Lorient, the club owned by American businessman Bill Foley who also owns Premier League Bournemouth and the Vegas Golden Knights of the NHL.

It was 2-1 to the hosts just after the hour mark. Zaire-Emery had just come on for Fabian Ruiz when he controlled a Doue pass for his first touch, and then fired in with the aid of a deflection.

But Mounguengue cost the home side two points when his loose ball inside was pounced upon by Tosin and the Benin forward went on to score.

PSG, who are chasing a fifth straight Ligue 1 title, hit the post late on through Senny Mayulu as they dropped points for the third time in their last five home Ligue 1 games.

Meanwhile, Marseille’s troubled season continued with a comprehensive 3-0 defeat at Nantes which is a further blow to their prospects of Champions League qualification but gives their opponents’ renewed hope of avoiding relegation.

Ignatius Ganago, Remy Cabella and Matthis Abline all scored in the space of nine minutes early in the second half as Nantes claimed a first win in nine matches and just a fifth victory all season.

Eight-time champions Nantes remain in the automatic relegation places with two games left but are now just two points behind Auxerre in the play-off spot before their rivals play on Sunday.

Marseille, meanwhile, are on a run of four defeats in their last six outings which leaves them sixth.

They are four points away from a Champions League berth with two games left, and at this rate are running the risk of not qualifying for Europe at all — OM will slip to seventh if Monaco win at relegation certainties Metz later.

“We got what we deserved,” said coach Habib Beye, who insisted he will not walk away.

“When you take on a challenge like this you don’t just give up. I will never quit.” 

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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Cherie DeVaux became the first woman to train the winner of the Kentucky Derby after Golden Tempo came from the back of the pack and charged down the stretch to get win Saturday’s big race.

DeVaux is just the second female trainer to win any Triple Crown race after Jena Antonucci won with Arcangelo in the 2023 Belmont Stakes. She won the Derby in her first opportunity, eight years since starting her own stable.

Ridden by Jose Ortiz and with a crowd of more than 100,000 watching and roaring at Churchill Downs, Golden Tempo passed favorite Renegade just before the wire to win the 1 1/4-mile race in 2:02.27 at odds of 23-1. Renegade was second, with brother Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard, and long shot Ocelli was third.

“I don’t even have any words right now,” DeVaux said. “I just can’t. Just so, so, so happy for Golden Tempo. Jose did a wonderful job, a masterful job of getting him there. He was so far out of it.”

During the week, DeVaux shifted from downplaying what it would mean to be the first woman to train a Derby winner to understanding she’s a role model to girls who might want to follow in her footsteps someday. She’s just the 18th woman to saddle a horse in the Kentucky Derby.

“I’m glad I can be a representative of all women everywhere that we can do anything we set our minds do,” DeVaux said.

Ortiz showed off the riding prowess that has made him so successful at Churchill Downs in recent days, winning the Derby for the first time in his 11th try. It came a little under 24 hours since he also won the Kentucky Oaks, the top race for 3-year-old fillies.

His parents were there to witness Ortiz’s remarkable ride.

“I get to ride it almost every year, but to get to win it, it’s just special,” Ortiz said. “I just wish my grandpa was here, but I know he’s looking from heaven. Just very happy that I get my goal, my life dream goal achieved.”

The Kentucky Derby went on with just 18 horses. Great White was a late scratch after flipping and throwing his jockey. Track veterinarians made the call to scratch the long shot who got into the field Wednesday when Silent Tactic was ruled out because of a foot injury. The Puma was out, less than 12 hours before post time, because of a swollen leg from a skin infection.

Great White became the fifth horse scratched this week and the second Saturday. Silent Tactic was ruled out Wednesday, Fulleffort on Thursday and Right to Party on Friday, with Great White, Ocelli and Robusta getting in.

Dual state-based trainer Phillip Stokes has captured the South Australian Derby at Morphettville for the second successive year, this time with a rank outsider.

Building on Femminile’s $19 score from last year, Wigmore delivered at $41 on his second run for Stokes in the 2518m three-year-old Classic on Saturday.

The victory gave Teo Nugent his second top-flight win, with Wigmore prevailing by a short head over VRC Oaks victor Strictly Business ($12), and Autumn Mystery ($31) trailing by half a length in third.

After finishing fourth in the Group 1 New Zealand Derby at Ellerslie on March 7, Wigmore arrived at Stokes’ stable three weeks ago and bowed in the Chairman’s Stakes (2000m) at Morphettville last Saturday.

The gelding was seventh that day, but Stokes observed considerable strides made by race time, as he had been stationed at the Morphettville yard following Melbourne-based Derby prep.

Stokes revealed OTI manager Terry Henderson wanted 25 per cent of Wigmore sold off, which he managed to clients with prompt success.

This is Stokes’ ninth Group 1 hit, with no short-term Group 1 plans for Wigmore on the horizon.

“We just brought him along slowly. He’s very clean winded and a big thanks to OTI,” Stokes said.

“They’re massive supporters. We’ve won this race twice with them and we’ve had a few Group 1 winners now.

“We’re getting up there, Group 1 winners wise. They’re very important. It’s good for everyone and there’s a lot of good owners in this.

“It’s a great result.”

Stokes downplayed chances of the Queensland Derby (2400m) trip to Brisbane later in the month.

“He’s done an amazing job after being up for so long,” Stokes said.

“We may have a Melbourne Cup horse on our hands.”

With Lachlan Neindorf suspended, Nugent drew the ride, Stokes confirmed.

Neindorf had schooled Wigmore extensively at Pakenham initially and proposed his dad buy into the Derby winner.

Nugent shared his long history with Stokes from age 12, jesting about a past dream of apprenticing under him.

“I went over to Ireland to learn how to ride horses and for whatever reason, it didn’t work out and I went to Ciaron Maher instead,” Nugent said.

“It’s good to team up with Phil and get a Group 1 winner behind us.

“He was always super throughout my apprenticeship, and he would always chuck me on in town.

“Just of late, I’ve been coming over to Adelaide, warming up for the season and to get a Group 1 win, it’s a massive thrill.

“Phil had this horse trained to the minute. This is his first campaign and to be in work for six months, he tipped me off when I got on, he was feeling super well.

“He’s a typical Kiwi mudlover, he got through that track, no worries at all, so it’s onwards and upwards for him, for sure.”

Visit betting sites to find racing odds for the South Australian Derby.

Arvid Lindblad (Image credit: AP)

NEW DELHI: When Arvid Lindblad sat in his Racing Bulls car at the Australian Grand Prix earlier this year, there was already buzz about a young driver with Indian roots making his debut alongside stars like Max Verstappen, Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton. But once the chequered flag came down, all eyes were on the 18-year-old, who went on to score points for his team on debut.Lindblad finished eighth and picked up four points for Racing Bulls. Jumping out of his car, celebrating with a roar, and soaking in the moment, his emotions were evident after an impressive debut.Recently, Lindblad took time off to explore India as he tried Mumbai’s street food, visited popular spots, interacted with locals, and even stopped by Mannat. The 18-year-old spoke to TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview about his Formula One journey so far, his connection with India, and much more.Excerpts:You scored points in your very first race. It must have been an emotional moment – can you take us back to that memory?Yeah, it was very special – very emotional. It’s something I’ve dreamed of my whole life, making it to Formula One. To finally have that moment in Australia, with both my parents there, made it even more meaningful. The whole weekend went so smoothly – getting into Q3, scoring points, and even running in the top three at one stage on the opening lap was pretty surreal. I absolutely loved every bit of it. It’s a day I’ll remember forever.What was it like lining up against drivers you grew up watching as icons of the sport? How did it feel racing alongside them?Yeah, it was pretty surreal. Racing alongside guys like Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton – and even Max Verstappen, who really rose through the sport around the time I started following it – was incredibly special. These are drivers I’ve watched for years on TV, so to be out there racing wheel-to-wheel with them is hard to put into words. I’d say Lewis was the one I was probably most starstruck by at the beginning, and even now there are still plenty of ‘pinch me’ moments. Even in Japan, during the drivers’ parade, it felt pretty special just being there alongside him. But once I’m on track, with the helmet on, it’s different – we’re all competitors, and I’m going to take every opportunity I can. Still, it’s amazing. I remember even last year during FP1 sessions, hearing on the radio, ‘Hamilton coming through’ when he was on a push lap – it’s pretty special just to hear that and to share the track with him.

It must have been a special moment for your family as well. What were those conversations like?Yeah, it really was special. This has always been my dream and my journey – something I’ve been working towards for as long as I can remember. But it’s not just mine, it’s something we’ve all sacrificed for as a family. My parents, even my brother – they’ve all played a part in this. So it truly felt like a family moment.That’s why having them there with me in Melbourne made it even more meaningful. It’s hard to describe, but I remember after the race, once I got out of the car and left the media pen, my parents were waiting for me in hospitality. The first thing I did was just hug them. It’s something we’ve dreamed about for years – especially me and my dad.For so long, it felt so far away. We were in the UK, racing on small tracks, waking up at 6 in the morning in the cold and rain. My dad was my mechanic, and we were doing everything ourselves. It didn’t always feel real that we’d get here one day. And then suddenly, it is real. It’s happening. That moment just hit us. We didn’t say much – we just hugged, got a bit emotional. I almost had tears in my eyes after the race. It was a very special feeling.You share a great bond with Max Verstappen. That viral video of him asking for your driving licence caught a lot of attention – what was that moment like?(Laughs) Yeah, it was pretty cool. I’ve known Max Verstappen for a while now, and he’s always been extremely friendly to me. I have a lot of respect for him – not just as a driver, because the level he performs at is incredible, but also as a person.He’s always been very kind, approachable, and willing to offer advice whenever I’ve needed it. What stands out is how humble and grounded he is – he hasn’t let the fame or spotlight change him, which is really great to see. In that sense, he’s definitely someone I look up to. I’ve been fortunate to spend time with him and build a good rapport.That viral moment was from a filming day a few months ago, when it came up that I didn’t have my driving licence yet. It was a funny situation, and something we could both relate to, having entered Formula One at a very young age. I think both of our journeys have been quite similar in that sense – we progressed quickly, came into F1 young, and have been part of the Red Bull setup. So it’s been really nice to share those experiences and moments with him.Three races into your career now – what are the biggest lessons you’ve learned so far?I think it’s been a massive change in Formula One this year with the new regulations – new engines, new cars, new tyres – so there’s been a lot to learn and get up to speed with. For me, the biggest challenge right now is managing everything. I already had a sense of it from last year, through TPC running and FP1 sessions, that in F1 you have a lot more influence over the car.There are many more tools available and a lot more you can adapt compared to other categories. In junior series, it’s pretty much just you and the car – you can’t change much. But in F1, there’s a lot more performance to unlock, and this year even more so, especially on the power unit side. The way you drive – your inputs – can affect how and when you get the power, and how it’s delivered.So there are a lot more variables you can control, and the key is to use them in the right way at the right time. Managing all of that, especially during a race when so much is happening, hasn’t been easy. It’s something all drivers are adapting to because it’s quite different, but as a rookie, I feel there’s even more performance for me to unlock compared to the others.

You’ve often spoken about Oliver Rowland. What role has he played in your journey?Yeah, Oli has been a massive help for me – someone I’ve known for a very long time. I first met him when I was seven, and we actually started karting together. He supported me a lot when I was racing in Europe – coming to races, staying in touch, and guiding me along the way. In Formula 3 and Formula 2, he became even more involved.He attended many races and played a big role in my development. His connection with Red Bull has also been a key factor in helping me progress quickly through the ranks and reach Formula One. It’s actually quite hard to describe his role because it’s a bit of everything. He’s a mentor, but also feels like family given how long we’ve known each other.He helps me across all aspects of being a driver. As you know, the role today isn’t just about driving. He works with me on performance, gives feedback on what I can improve, but also helps with things like preparing for race weekends, handling media, and managing everything that comes with the job. So it’s not just one thing – he’s been there to guide me in every aspect of my journey.If you hadn’t pursued professional racing, what do you think you’d be doing today?I’m not entirely sure, but I’ve always loved sports and I’m quite a driven, competitive person. So I think I would have ended up pursuing some kind of sport. Maybe even cricket, who knows? But honestly, it’s hard to say – I started karting when I was five, so this path began very early for me. I’m pretty sure I would have been involved in sport in some way.”You have a unique heritage and a strong connection to India through your family. Has that influenced your identity or the way you approach your career? And what do you enjoy most about your visits to India?Yeah, I’m very proud of my Indian heritage. It’s been a big part of my upbringing and has really shaped me into the person and driver I am today. From a young age, I’ve been connected to it – celebrating traditions, doing puja with my grandparents, and enjoying my nanny’s Indian food. I still remember when she used to come to the racetrack when I was seven or eight, bringing home-cooked meals – we’d be having rajma chawal, chapatis, and channa at the back of the car.Those are really special memories, and they’ve kept me closely connected to my roots. It’s something I’ve spoken about more recently, but it’s always been important to me. The values – hard work, humility, always giving your best – have had a big influence on who I am today. I always enjoy coming to India. Like you mentioned, the puja we did together in Delhi before the show run, where she kind of wished me luck before my first race in Melbourne, was really special. It’s those little things that mean a lot. We share a very close bond, and I really value that connection.Can you tell us a bit about your journey with Red Bull – from the junior programme to now being on the F1 grid?Yeah, obviously, I’m very grateful to Red Bull for the support they’ve given me. I was signed to the programme when I was 13, at the end of 2020, and since then, things have come a long way – it’s been a really special journey. I still remember how it all started, meeting Helmut Marko (former Austrian F1 driver) in a hotel when he told me he wanted to sign me.I was incredibly excited, especially knowing he had backed drivers like Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, who went on to achieve great things. For him to show that kind of belief in me meant a lot. Since then, both Helmut and ‘Rocky’ have played huge roles in my development. Rocky, especially on the technical side, has been someone I’ve leaned on a lot. His experience, including working closely with Sebastian and winning world championships, has helped me learn and improve as a driver.With Helmut, I’ve always had a very honest relationship. We speak openly about what’s going well and what needs improvement, and that’s really helped me progress quickly. It’s thanks to them, and the entire Red Bull Junior Programme, that I’ve been able to rise through the ranks so fast and reach Formula One. I’ll always be extremely grateful for that opportunity – especially to Helmut, who played a big part in me getting this chance. I wouldn’t be here without that support.How was your recent trip to Mumbai?I had a lot of fun visiting Mumbai – going to Mannat, spending time at the beaches, interacting with kids, and playing cricket with them at the maidans where Sachin Tendulkar started his career. It was a really enjoyable experience. It was my second visit to India – we had come in December 2025 as well – but this was my first time in Mumbai, and I absolutely loved it. It was great to learn more about Indian culture and explore the city.We did a mix of touristy things and fun activities. We visited Mannat, went to the Gateway of India, and explored a lot around the city. I even tried vada pav for the first time, which was amazing. Overall, it was a fantastic trip – we did so many things and really got the full experience. I loved every bit of it and I’m really looking forward to coming back later this year.You played cricket at the Mumbai maidans, where Sachin Tendulkar began his journey. What was that experience like?To be honest, I don’t know if I’m at a level where I can say I played proper shots – I was mostly just trying to hit the ball as hard as I could. But it was great fun. The kids were incredibly friendly. When we were playing at the maidans, there were people of all ages – adults in their 20s and 30s, even older, and young kids around six or seven.

Everyone was very welcoming and happy to let me join in. I got a chance to stand in front of the wickets, do some batting, and just enjoy the moment. It was a really fun experience playing with everyone.You also visited Mannat, home to Shah Rukh Khan. How was that visit?I mean, obviously, Shah Rukh Khan is a massive Bollywood star – more like a legend, to be honest. I can’t quite remember the name of the film now, but I do recall a scene we tried to recreate when I was in Delhi a couple of months ago.We did a fun social concept where we were sort of copying that iconic moment when he comes home and meets his mother. I did the walk-up, and then we had that warm embrace and hug. I don’t remember the exact dialogue, but the scene itself is really famous, and it was great fun trying to recreate it.

The Big Ten Conference announced a record $1.37 billion distribution to its 18 member institutions for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, marking the largest payout in league history as college athletics continues its financial surge. The conference said Friday the total represents a $490 million increase from the $883 million distributed in the previous fiscal year.

The Big Ten Officials attributed the jump to the first full year of the Big Ten’s new media rights agreements, continued revenue growth from College Football Playoff expansion and the conference’s first season as an 18-team league following the additions of Oregon, UCLA, USC and Washington.

“The distributions provide meaningful support to institutions in their continued effort to provide broad-based athletic opportunities to more than 14,000 Big Ten student-athletes,” the conference said in a release.

On average, the Big Ten distributed about $76.1 million per school, though individual totals varied based on postseason performance and other revenue factors. Sixteen full-share members received different amounts based on postseason participation and other revenue factors.

Ohio State led all schools with $91.57 million after winning the College Football Playoff title during the 2024 season, while Penn State received $88.92 million after its postseason run. Other fully vested members generally received between roughly $76 million and $80 million. Oregon and Washington, still on partial revenue shares through 2030, received $48.4 million and $46.7 million, respectively, according to conference figures.

The Big Ten’s financial growth continues to outpace other Power Four conferences. In February, the SEC reported distributing more than $1.03 billion to its 16 members for fiscal year 2024-25, averaging $72.4 million per school.

Below is a look at recent reported conference revenue and distributions:

Average revenue distribution per school by fiscal year

* Approximate to 12 long-standing members

The Big Ten’s rise reflects broader changes across college athletics, driven by escalating media rights deals and expanded postseason formats that have reshaped revenue streams nationwide. The conference is now in the first full year of its current television agreement, which generates more than $1 billion annually, according to the league.

The league also pointed to continued competitive success across sports, including recent national championships in football and men’s basketball as well as multiple NCAA titles across its member schools during the current academic cycle.

As discussions around further playoff expansion and ongoing conference realignment continue, the Big Ten’s latest financial report underscores the accelerating economic scale of college sports.

When the Milwaukee Bucks were soliciting offers for Giannis Antetokounmpo at the trade deadline, the Portland Trail Blazers were viewed, at the very least, as an ideal facilitator to such a deal. They control Milwaukee’s first-round picks in 2028, 2029 and 2030, so any team hoping to deal with the Bucks would probably like to deal with Portland first in order to secure those picks for Milwaukee. As negotiations dragged on, the Blazers themselves reportedly entered the fray. No deal was struck, but with new owner Tom Dundon taking over, it seems as though the Blazers are eager to get back into the mix.

According to Jake Fischer, “the Blazers are expected to emerge as a prime trade suitor for Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo.” Antetokounmpo’s fate in Milwaukee has not yet been settled, but with Bucks owner Wes Edens saying that Milwaukee would either extend Antetokounmpo or trade him, the ball is now in his court. If he ultimately elects not to re-sign, the sweepstakes officially begin.

Resetting the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade market: Why 18 teams are plausible suitors

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There is an obvious hangup here, though, and it relates to Antetokounmpo’s expiring contract. We don’t know how willing he would be to re-sign with Portland, or any team, and giving up a haul for a player who might leave after a year is an enormous risk. If Antetokounmpo directs the proceedings toward another team, Portland may or may not be willing to risk bringing him in anyway. This snag has been well-known since February, and it factors into just about every star trade in the modern NBA.

However, there is one specific way in which these negotiations will differ from previous deals for superstars. Because of the NBA’s impending reforms to the draft lottery, those Milwaukee picks suddenly aren’t as valuable as they looked a few months ago.

In the past, there were no more valuable draft picks to a team than its own. Those are the only picks you can theoretically control. If you have the worst record in the NBA, under the current system, you can draft no lower than No. 5. This was the primary appeal to the Bucks of a possible trade with Portland. Getting those picks back would have meant regaining their ability to tank. The Brooklyn Nets just did this with the Houston Rockets back in 2024, turning a bounty of deep future picks into control of their own selections in 2025 and 2026 back from the James Harden trade.

But in the new world, in which no team will have better than 8.1% odds at the No. 1 pick and the three worst teams will enter the lottery in the so-called “relegation zone” that comes with worse odds, regaining control of your own picks just isn’t as powerful. You can’t aggressively tank for top picks when your odds are that low. The proposed lottery only has a floor of the top 12 for the bottom three teams, and everyone else can pick as low as No. 16. Milwaukee would still have some control over those picks. The Bucks could work to ensure they land between No. 4 and No. 10 to maximize their odds. But that’s a far trickier tank to plan than just losing as many games as possible, and even if it was successfully executed, it wouldn’t create nearly as much expected value as a traditional tank.

The Blazers have their most promising outlook in years… as long as their new owner is willing to pay for it

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Now, does this rule out a Portland trade? Of course not. The Blazers could still put a very compelling package on the table. Those Bucks picks could be a part of it, and other assets Portland has suddenly look more valuable. Take the 2028 Orlando pick the Blazers got on draft night. With the Magic hovering around the middle of a suddenly crowded Eastern Conference, that pick has more upside moving forward than it did when Portland acquired it. Portland’s own picks are arguably more valuable for the same reason, and the Blazers have a wealth of young players to offer Milwaukee as well.

If Portland can secure a commitment for an extension, or if it is willing to trade for Antetokounmpo without one, the Blazers have the tools to potentially pull this off. It just isn’t the slam dunk it might have been at the deadline. Those Bucks picks are no longer golden bullets in these negotiations. Milwaukee might value veteran star power for specific picks more, or it might value draft picks from other teams nearly as much. Given the sheer number of surprising early exits this postseason, the bidding is probably going to be wild, so every minimal advantage matters. Portland still has one, it just isn’t nearly as big as it looked a few months ago.

Golden Tempo captured the 152nd Kentucky Derby on Saturday, marking a historic first for female trainers. 

The 3-year-old bay thoroughbred colt charged down the final stretch in the 1 1/8-mile race to give trainer Cherie DeVaux her first Triple Crown race victory. She became the first female trainer to ever win the Kentucky Derby and just the second ever to win a Triple Crown race. 

Golden Tempo (19) ridden by Jose L. Ortiz wins the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby horse race at Churchill Downs, Saturday, May 2, 2026, in Louisville, Kentucky. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

“I don’t even have any words right now,” an emotional DeVaux said on the NBC broadcast after upsetting the race to overcome early favorite Renegade. 

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Jockey Jose Ortiz won the Derby for the first time in his career. It was his 11th attempt, and he beat out his brother Irad, who rode the Todd Pletcher-trained colt.  

Renegade nearly became the first Derby winner out of the inside No. 1 post position in four decades after pulling away from the pack in the final stretch, but it wasn’t enough to overpower Golden Tempo’s final strides.  

Cherie DeVaux, trainer of Golden Tempo #19, celebrates after becoming the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby during the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 02, 2026 in Louisville, Kentucky.  (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

“It’s not the one we would have chosen,” Pletcher said before the race, foreshadowing its result. “It’s not ideal, but it’s what we got and we’ll do the best we can with it.”

The field was reduced to 19 instead of the maximum 20 early Saturday morning after The Puma was scratched due to a skin infection. He was ruled out past the deadline for a replacement, leaving Corona de Ora out of the field.

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Silent Tactic, Fulleffort and Right to Party were all scratched in the last four days, but were replaced by Great White, Ocelli and Robusta. 

But just before race time, the field was further reduced to 18 after Great White was scratched after flipping over as the others were loading up.

Jockey Jose Ortiz of Golden Tempo celebrates in the winner’s circle after winning the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 02, 2026 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Track conditions were much better this year as opposed to last year, when Sovereignty crossed the finish line covered in mud after rain poured down at Churchill Downs. According to the historic race venue, the track conditions were fast with good visibility and low precipitation just an hour before post time.  

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But the weather was much chillier than years past at 54 degrees just an hour before race time. According to the FOX Forecast Center, the average high in Louisville this time of year is 74 degrees. 

According to data from the National Weather Service in Louisville, the coldest Derby Day on record was on May 4, 1940, and May 4, 1957, when temps reached 36 degrees and were accompanied by 20 to 25 mph winds.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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“I’m disappointed, but what can you do. As you get older, your action starts to go a little bit at the most extreme points of the match.

“But, take nothing away, Shaun was awesome and he’s got a great chance of going on to win it for a second time.”

Resuming the final session 13-11 in arrears, Murphy started in scintillating fashion with two total clearances to haul level, only for Higgins to chisel out the next two to restore his two-frame lead.

Murphy’s fourth century of the match sparked another surge after the interval and, as Higgins began to miss some easy balls, the Englishman went into overdrive, winning the last four in a row to confirm victory.

China’s Wu Yize will face Murphy in Sunday’s final after Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen missed a simple black to secure victory before falling 17-16.

Murphy was full of praise for Higgins.

“I just came out today knowing, if I got my chances, I could score,” he said. “At the interval, I was just saying to myself, ‘you’ve done it before, now you can do it again’.

“But John Higgins – what a player and what a man. The harder it gets out there, the tougher he gets and the better he plays.

“If I’m half the player when I’m in my 50s, I’ll be very proud.”