Kentucky Derby winning jockey honored with his own day in Shelbyville, his hometown

SHELBYVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky Derby 150 was one for the history books and now, the winning jockey will be cemented in history as well.

Jockey Brian Hernandez Jr., was honored Monday by his hometown of Shelbyville, just outside of Louisville where he won the Derby this year riding Mystik Dan.

Shelby County Judge Executive Dan Ison officially proclaimed May 20, 2024 as Brian Hernandez Jr. Day.

RELATED: 'It's unbelievable': Kentucky Derby shares adorable photo of then 6-year-old Brian Hernandez Jr. who became winning jockey

Hernandez and his family were at the ceremony to accept the award.

"Thank you guys and I'm very proud to live here in Shelby County. It was an amazing weekend and thanks for all the recognition. It was a lot of fun," Hernandez said.

Not only did Hernandez win first place in the Kentucky Derby, but he also rode filly Thorpedo Anna and won the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs the day before. That makes him just the eighth jockey to win both the Derby and Oaks races.

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