In the late afternoon on May 4, by oral declaration, Mystik Dan became Arkansas' horse, joining the beloved Smart Jones, who captured our hearts in 2004 by winning the Rebel Stakes and Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn and then the Kentucky Derby.
Even though Smarty Jones was owned by people from Philadelphia, he became our horse until Mystik Dan, a courageous steed with a strong jockey pushed through a narrow gap -- about half the width of the horse -- and sped down the rail and held on to win the 150th Kentucky Derby last Saturday. Voices rose in approval at Churchill Downs and even more at Oaklawn.
Mystik Dan may have been not have been born in the Natural State, but everything about him screams Arkie bred.
His
Get unlimited access to the
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
You can cancel anytime.
Unlimited Digital Access
$1 for 8 weeks
Unlimited digital access to the website, app, newsletters and WholeHogSports.com
More details
Your subscription includes SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVE content you can't get anywhere else, unlimited stories, a daily digital version of the printed paper and complete access to newsletters. Cancel anytime.
Most Popular
Unlimited Digital Access + iPad + Sunday Home Delivery
$39/month
Unlimited digital access with an iPad and Sunday home delivery
More details
Your subscription includes an iPad, SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVE content you can't get anywhere else, unlimited stories, Sunday print home delivery and complete access to newsletters. Cancel anytime.
Choose Plan
Unlimited Digital Access + iPad
$39/month
Unlimited digital access with an iPad
More details
Your subscription includes an iPad, SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVE content you can't get anywhere else, unlimited stories and complete access to newsletters. Cancel anytime.
Choose Plan