Renegade falls short in 2026 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs

In the son of Into Mischief, the Hall of Famer had a horse who could overcome the challenge. Renegade entered the Derby 2-2-1 across five career starts. Strong stretch runs highlighted his two wins to this point of his 3-year-old season, including the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby on March 28 at Oaklawn Park.

“Irad’s riding in great form right now,” Pletcher told reporters April 26. “We just have to focus on getting out of the gate, breaking well and establishing the position we want.”

“If this horse gets the same trip as Mo Donegal (out of Post 1), I think he’s five lengths better,” Repole added April 30.

Indeed, Ortiz was better aboard Renegade on Saturday than he was aboard the son of Uncle Mo in Derby 148. The duo just didn’t have enough to end Repole’s Run for the Roses drought.

It feels like a safe bet to say we haven’t seen the last of the 57-year-old New Yorker, who as a co-owner of the United Football League played an integral role in bringing a franchise to Louisville this spring.

“The people in Kentucky are pretty tough,” Repole told The Courier Journal on April 9, before visiting town for his first Louisville Kings game. “Mike from Queens is pretty tough; because I just keep coming back.”

Renegade’s connections will split $1 million for his runner-up performance in the Derby. Then, they’ll have a decision to make regarding the Preakness Stakes, which will be held May 16 at Pimlico Race Course.

Reach Louisville men's basketball reporter Brooks Holton at bholton@gannett.com and follow him on X at @brooksHolton.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Renegade finishes behind Golden Tempo in Kentucky Derby today