Coup D'etat Wins the Kentucky Derby

Original article written by The Steward posted 17 years 2 weeks ago

Several years ago, Daryl Singhi watched his homebred Accolade run second in the Kentucky Derby... then second in the Preakness... and then second again in the Belmont Stakes. All losses were to a superstar named Jet Ski, and Singhi had to grin and bear the title of "the next Affirmed and Alydar."

Although he won a career best 102 races in Year 16, his win percentage in a stable of almost 1,000 horses hovers below 11%. Times can be tough managing such a large stable, one week Singhi won only 3 races with typically over 60 starters. Dreams do come true, however, and on Saturday Daryl Singhi watched his homebred Coup D'etat sweep down the stretch with giant strides, take aim on the dueling leaders Empire and Wonder, and roll past them on the way to victory in the Derby.

Coup D'etat is a full brother to last year's top older horse Enforcer, out of the Heir to the Throne mare Dethroned. Although this was only his third win following two prep race losses this year - both by less than a neck - the win increased his earnings to $1.7 million. Last year, Singhi kept the colt out of the Breeders' Cup hoping that would give him an advantage going into the Derby.

Singhi said, "After getting so close to a Triple Crown with Accolade, I have made some mistakes with later horses like Waverider. I finally bred a horse born to run the Classic distance. Thanks for the thrill, Coup, and rest up for the Preakness! I hope everyone will stop by his stall to say hello!"

Nothing should be taken away from the heartpounding drama staged by Empire and Wonder. With little Wonder battling hard on the rail, Empire was all out to finish a head in front of her at the wire.

The Preakness will bring together some of the top finishers from the Derby, as well as Dubai's top three year old Excursion, and Laura Ferguson's undefeated California who is coming off an injury and missed the Derby.

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