9 pictures of Mystik Dan's historic photo finish at the 2024 Kentucky Derby (2024)

Blake Schuster

May 4, 2024 7:59 pm ET

Mystik Dan won the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby, but it took a few anxiety-inducing minutes before anyone knew it.

In a furious final stretch, Mystik Dan (18-1) found himself quite literally neck-and-neck with Sierra Leone (9-2) and Forever Young (7-1) nearing the finish line. All three seemingly crossed at the same time and there was no question this was going to a photo finish.

Mystik Dan defeated Sierra Leone by a nose, who placed ahead of Forever Young by a nose. It was that close.

Everything about the 12th race at Churchill Downs on Saturday was epic on and the wait to see who would officially be named the winner was no different. Mystik Dan trainer Kenny McPeek was mid-interview with NBC when the track announced the results and you could see the relief wash over him.

Ken McPeek, trainer of Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan, reflects on his second massive win of the weekend. 🏆 #KyDerby pic.twitter.com/dsrMlZLgQx
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) May 4, 2024

The race’s intensity was only matched by the call on the broadcast from Larry Collmus, but if you want a closer look at how the finish played out, these pictures certainly illustrate how close it actually was.

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Jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. rides Mystik Dan to victory in a photo finish at the 150th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on Saturday, May 4, 2024.

From left, West Saratoga, with Jesus L. Castanon up, Mystic Dan, with Brian J. Hernandez Jr. up, Epic Ride, with Adam Beschizza up, Resilience, with Junior Alvarado up, Fierceness, wit John Velazquez up, Just Steel, with Keith J. Asmussen up, and Track Phantom, with Joel Rosario up, round the first turn towards the back stretch during the running of the 150th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on Saturday, May 4, 2024.

From left, Fierceness, wit John Velazquez up, Just Steel, with Keith J. Asmussen up, Track Phantom, with Joel Rosario up, round the first turn during the running of the 150th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on Saturday, May 4, 2024.

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – MAY 04: Mystik Dan #3, ridden by jockey Brian J. Hernandez Jr. crosses the finish line to win the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 04, 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – MAY 04: Jockey Brian J. Hernandez Jr., on top of Mystik Dan, celebrates in the winner circle after winning the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 04, 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776132372 ORIG FILE ID: 2151481947

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – MAY 04: Mystik Dan #3, ridden by jockey Brian J. Hernandez Jr. crosses the finish line ahead of Sierra Leone #2, ridden by jockey Tyler Gaffalione and Forever Young, ridden by jockey Ryusei Sakai to win the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 04, 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776132372 ORIG FILE ID: 2151481797

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