THIS year will see the 150th running of the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby, and it could be special for more reasons than just that.

Last year’s 149th running of the $3 million classic attracted an international field, with a couple of Japanese-trained horses. However, they came up short against an American runner, as more than 150,000 racegoers watched Mage (Good Magic), ridden by Venezuelan-born Javier Castellano and trained by fellow countryman Gustavo Delgado, swoop to victory from Two Phil’s and the favourite, Angel Of Empire.