Who is Mage? What to know about the champion of this year’s Kentucky Derby

Mage, largely overlooked and little discussed, worked his magic and captured the garland of roses at the 149th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 6, 2023.

Here are some facts to know about this racing wizard.

What were Mage’s odds?

Mage went off with 15-1 odds at post time, and was considered somewhat of a long shot given his inexperience — though he was not to be dismissed. The chestnut colt previously finished wire-to-wire at Gulfstream Park in late January, and finished fourth in the Fountain of Youth. Mage just missed the mark in the Florida Derby, finishing second behind Forte. But at the Kentucky Derby, Forte scratched, along with four other contenders, a dynamic that no doubt weighed in Mage’s favor.

According to a news release from Keeneland, its 2021 September Yearling Sale produced the first three finishers Saturday — Mage, Two Phil’s and Angel of Empire. He is the 24th horse sold by Keeneland to win the Kentucky Derby.

Among Mage’s fans are players of the tabletop roleplaying game Dungeons and Dragons, who lit up social media with their support.

Who was his jockey?

Javier Castellano. According to NBC News, he’s a native of Venezuela and was at a loss for words after his Kentucky Derby win Saturday.

“He’s (Mage) got a lot of heart,” Castellano told NBC moments after crossing the finish line. “He’s a little horse but (has) a big heart.”

Who is his owner?

Mage’s ownership is shared between OGMA Investments, Ramiro Restrepo, Streling Racing and CMNWLTH, according to Keeneland.

Part-owner Restrepo grew up in a family of racing enthusiasts and calls South Florida’s Thoroughbred tracks his “playground,” according to a profile by the Miami Herald.

Ahead of the race Saturday, Restrepo told the Miami Herald winning the Kentucky Derby is his childhood dream.

“This is everything to me,” Restrepo said.

What was the payout for Mage?

The payout for Mage, based on a $2 bet, is $32.42 for a win, $14.58 for a place and $9.08 for a show.

A $2 exacta bet for Mage and second-place finisher Two Phil’s is $330.44. A $1 trifecta bet for the top three finishers is $982.36, and a $1 superfecta for Mage, Two Phil’s, Angel of Empire and fourth place Disarm is $15,643.60.

Mage’s career earnings now, post-Kentucky Derby win, are $2,107,200, according to Equibase.

What’s his pedigree?

Mage was sired by Good Magic, who is a son of Curlin.

Curlin was at one time the highest-earning Thoroughbred in North America. He finished his career with a record $10.5 million in earnings, according to the National Museum of Horse Racing.

Mage’s father Good Magic is a successful stud, siring a slate of winners, according to TwinSpires.

Mage’s grandsire Big Brown through his mother’s line is notable in his own right with a successful racing career, according to TwinSpires.

This story was originally published May 6, 2023 at 9:05 PM with the headline "Who is Mage? What to know about the champion of this year’s Kentucky Derby."

Aaron Mudd

Lexington Herald-Leader

Aaron Mudd was a service journalism reporter for the Lexington Herald-Leader, Centre Daily Times and Belleville News-Democrat. He was based at the Herald-Leader in Lexington, and left the paper in February 2026. Support my work with a digital subscription