KTLA

Kentucky Derby: How American Pharoah Went From ‘Problem Child’ to Winner

Jockey Victor Espinoza guides American Pharoah #18 on track prior to the start of the 141st running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 2, 2015 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Credit: Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Breaking News Update: American Pharoah has won the 141st Kentucky Derby.

Original Story: Shortly after riding California Chrome to victory in last year’s Kentucky Derby, jockey Victor Espinoza ran into Bob Baffert, the trainer who put Espinoza on 2002 Derby winner War Emblem more than a decade before.

“Congratulations, Victor,” Baffert said. “That was amazing.”

“It’s been in Ohio as early as the mid-1850s at least, brought in as an ornamental plant because of its unique foliage and white flowers,” Gardner said. “It was actually planted in people’s landscaping, and it has been spreading.”

“Thanks, Bob,” Espinoza said.

“Next year,” Baffert joked, pointing at the jockey, “You and me.”

Click here to read the full story on LATimes.com.