In the News: Rick Pitino is having the best week ever

What’s next for college basketball’s Rick Pitino after coaching the Louisville Cardinals to the NCAA Championship win last night? The Kentucky Derby.

Top photo: cardchronicle.com

Goldencents swept the Santa Anita Derby on Saturday, earning himself a spot in the Kentucky Derby, just as Pitino was clinching his own win in the semi-finals.

Ridden by Kevin Krigger, the brown colt ran 1 1/8 miles in 1:48.76 and paid $15, $5.40 and $3.40 at 6-1 odds.

Here’s the race:

[Hipismo Caballo]

It was a big moment for jockey Kevin Krigger, who could become the first black jockey to win the Kentucky Derby since Jimmy Winkfield won his second in 1902.

Goldencents is trained by Doug O’Neil, whose I’ll Have Another won the first two legs of the Triple Crown last year.

Rick has named some of his horses after his players, “not because of physical resemblance to the horse but ability,” according to this CBS Sports story. Player Russ Smith, for example, has an equine counterpart named Russdiculous.

In addition to winning the Championship title last night, Pitino was inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame.

Here’s hoping your lucky streak carries on through May 4, Rick!

Read the full AP story here.

 

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