Deterministic Runs Down Grand Mo the First to Win the Virginia Derby

New Kent, Va. (Sept. 7, 2024) — St. Elias Stable, Ken Langone, Steven Duncker, and Vicarage Stable’s Deterministic showed off his late kick on the Secretariat Turf Course at Colonial Downs, running down Grand Mo the First to win the Grade 3 $500,000 New Kent County Virginia Derby by a neck.

Trained by Christophe Clement, who also sent out Style Points, the dead heat co-winner of the Virginia Oaks, Deterministic was piloted by Manny Franco. Franco won five stakes and seven races total on Saturday’s program.

“Every time I come prepared with a good mind, which gives me a good chance to win races,” Franco said. “I had a big day today. I want to say thanks to all the trainers who brought me here. I’m just happy. All the horses were running good. The turf course is perfect. (After each race) I just kept looking forward to keep my momentum (throughout the card).”

Izzy d’Oro took control early and led the field through the calls in :24.12 and :48.47. Grand Mo the First set up shop in third, tracking on the rail, and after breaking sharply, Deterministic settled nicely and ran with cover in mid-pack. Coming out of the turn Deterministic was in traffic while Grand Mo the First tipped off the rail to bid by the new leaders. Daylight opened and Deterministic seized it, finding his late kick and running down Grand Mo the First. Desvio fought hard for third. Echo Lane held on for fourth.

“(In the derby) by the 5/8 pole I didn’t feel comfortable where I was, but as soon as I asked my horse, he responded and put me where I wanted to be going into the far turn,” Franco said. “After that I had a horse outside me, but I was able to get the jump, and as soon as I got into the clear, he gave me a nice kick home.”

The top two Virginia Derby runners both qualified for Kentucky Derby 150 back in May. When the connections of Deterministic decided not to run, it opened a spot in the starting gates for Granpollo Stable’s Grand Mo the First’s run for the roses.

“(It was) very tough (to lose),” Paco Lopez said, jockey aboard Grand Mo the First. “That horse is obviously doing very good. I think at a flat mile he is a much better horse. I knew (Deterministic) was coming. I made a good move, my horse ran very good.”

With a career record of 7-3-1-1, the Liam’s Map colt bred in Kentucky by Hinkle Farms has $667,750 in lifetime earnings.