Venezuela will be present in the most famous horse race in the world. The Kentucky Derby will be held this Saturday, May 6, 2017. Gunnevera is a favorite to win, but this horse has a special connection with Venezuela.
Gunnevera has been trained by the Venezuelan Antonio Sano who obtained more than 3000 victories during his carrer in Venezuela. Sano has also been succesful professionally in the United States since 2010. This is the first time he competes in the Kentucky Derby and wishes to give the joy of a victory to his country, Venezuela.

Also, the Venezuelan jockey Javier Castellanos is considered the best rider in North America and the world, according to the official website of the Kentucky Derby. Castellanos has won more than 4,200 races since the start of his career. Including the Preakness Stakes, another of the American triple crown races, in 2006. He has been recognized internationally for his victories around the world. The Venezuelan has borken records in annual earnings, has been the the jockey with the most earnings for 4 consecutive years since 2013. Castellanos will be inducted to the hall of the fame in August.
To add to the Venezuelan influence in the derby this year, Peacock Racing Stables are the owners of Gunnevera. This company is composed of the Venezuelans Solomon Del-Valle and Guillermo Guerra and the Spaniard Jaime Diaz Mengotti.

Win or lose, reaching the Kentucky Derby is a great feat. In addition to being the most prestigious race in the United States, it is also the first victory necessary to win the triple crown.
We invite you to watch the CNN interview (Spanish) with Antonio Sano about his career and how he has recovered after being kidnapped in Venezuela.