LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — The winner of the UAE Derby in Dubai has arrived at Churchill Downs to prepare for the Kentucky Derby next month.
Lani was flown from Dubai to Arlington Park in Illinois on Friday, spent the weekend clearing quarantine and on Sunday was vanned 5 1/2 hours to Churchill Downs.
Bred in Kentucky, Lani is based in Japan. With a Derby run, the 3-year-old colt would become the second Japan-based horse to Run for the Roses. The first was Ski Captain, who finished 14th in 1995. Lani's jockey, Yutaka Take, also was aboard Ski Captain.
A veterinarian who accompanied Lani said there were no problems with the trip. "He was very quiet, It was very smooth," Takanao Cho said through an interpreter.
Lani has won three of six career starts for owner Koji Maeda. Trainer Mikio Matsunaga was expected to arrive at the track on Monday.
Lani earned 100 Derby qualifying points with his win in the UAE Derby, more than enough to make the field.
