His horses won the Kentucky Derby and Oaks. Lexington declares a day for the trainer

Kenny McPeek wasn’t born in Lexington, but he rejects any idea that he isn’t a Lexingtonian.

Despite being born in Arkansas, the Thoroughbred racehorse trainer was raised in Lexington and graduated from Tates Creek High School and the University of Kentucky. He was even baptized at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in downtown Lexington.

“I could drive Lexington blind since I was a boy,” he joked.

In the first weekend of May, McPeek rounded out the Kentucky checklist, winning the Kentucky Oaks with Thorpedo Anna and the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby with Mystic Dan in two days. This made McPeek the first trainer to win both races in the same year since Ben Jones in 1952.

In recognition of McPeek’s success, Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton declared July 2, 2024, Kenny McPeek Day in Lexington.

“Kenny has accomplished something very few have, and we are excited to honor him and his many achievements,” Gorton said. “His success and determination are a great example of what’s possible here in the Horse Capital of the World.”

Winning horses in all Triple Crown races

With the win in the Derby, McPeek has now trained winning horses in all races in the American Triple Crown, winning the Belmont Stakes with Sarava in 2002 and the Preakness Stakes with Swiss Skydiver in 2020.

“I’m so proud of growing up here,” McPeek said. “Thank you for everything.”

McPeek, who owns and operates Magdalena Farm in Lexington, also developed the Horses Now app, which allows users to read and retrieve racing information and watch races on their mobile devices.

McPeek said Thorpedo Anna and Mystic Dan are both in Saratoga, New York, at the moment. He said Mystic Dan is taking a break and is “not going to run again until probably the Travers (Stakes).” McPeek said Thorpedo Anna will not run until July 20 but did not specify the race she will be running in.