The owner, who is also the chairman of the Saudi Polo Federation and a board member of the Saudi Equestrian Authority, bought the horse for $35,000 last year Medina Spirit, owned by Amr Zedan of Saudi Arabia, won the Kentucky Derby by a half-length in front of a limited crowd on Saturday, with Mandaloun and Hot Rod Charlie coming in second and third respectively. The win ensured that Bob Baffert, with seven Kentucky Derby wins, is the most successful trainer in the race’s history, while jockey John Velazquez has four Derby wins to his name. The 46-year-old Zedan, who founded Zedan Racing Stables in Kentucky five years ago, was delighted with the win. “This is really surreal,” he said after the race. “I really just can’t believe it.” Zedan also had special praise for Median Spirit’s legendary American trainer. “With Bob, you’re just witnessing art in motion and I can’t thank him enough,” he added. Zedan bought Medina Spirit for $35,000 last year, and now the chairman of the Saudi Polo Federation and a board member of the Saudi Equestrian Authority has achieved a lifelong ambition in winning one of the world’s most famous races. Speaking to Arab News in early February, Zedan was hopeful that one of his horses would challenge for the Kentucky Derby. “My dream is to win the Derby some day, if not this year, then next year. We keep trying. That is the mission of Zedan Racing Stables,” he said.