Kenny McPeek is a BBN hero for doing Ls Down next to Pat Kelsey

We’re already big Kenny McPeek fans around here. The UK grad grew up in Lexington and became a household name last year after winning both the Kentucky Oaks (Thorpedo Anna) and Derby (Mystik Dan), the first trainer to sweep the races since 1952. Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton even proclaimed July 2 “Kenny McPeek Day” in the city in the Tates Creek grad’s honor.

We found out just how big of a Kentucky fan McPeek is. During a photo op with Louisville coach Pat Kelsey at Churchill Downs, McPeek didn’t just refuse to do Ls Up, he put his Ls Down. When his wife Sherri, a Louisville fan, chastised him, McPeek just chuckled and put his arm around his daughter. Hero.

The Mcpeeks with the L’s down right by Pat Kelsey .

pic.twitter.com/vCscBR5cj1

— Mario A Maitland (@MarioMaitland_3) April 29, 2025

The story behind the photo is even better. Turns out McPeek is training a two-year-old named Kelz, who is owned by Louisvillian Craig Mackin and named after, you guessed it, Pat Kelsey. When the real Kelsey found out about the horse, McPeek invited him to come meet Kelz; hence, today’s meeting.

Hey Pat, come see him anytime, he’s likely to be @ChurchillDowns after the @KentuckyDerby before that @Keeneland if we ever think he needs Gelded we will consult with you and @M5Stable 🤣 https://t.co/yKBxu8IUo4

— Kenny McPeek (@KennyMcPeek) April 19, 2025

Hey coach @patkelsey here is a quick video of Kelz from this morning at Silverleaf Hill Training Center in Florida. He’s still unbeaten 💪🏻@M5Stable pic.twitter.com/lpooJ60gnU

— Kenny McPeek (@KennyMcPeek) April 26, 2025

It’s been a good week for McPeek so far. His horse, Render Judgment, was a late addition to the Kentucky Derby field after Tappan Street withdrew due to injury. Render Judgment drew the No. 15 post position and is co-owned by Toby Keith’s Dream Walkin’ Farms. At 30-1, he’s considered a longshot, but McPeek hopes he can run it back in honor of the late, great country music star.

“As you probably heard, I advised that, really, probably an allowance race was a better idea,” McPeek said of Render Judgment’s chances at the post position draw on Saturday. “But there’s some sentiment here. This is one of the last horses owned by Toby Keith, the singer, and his family, and I think they’re really excited about this and they should be.”

McPeek has a much better shot of getting in the winner’s circle with Thorpedo Anna, who will run in the Grade I La Troienne on Kentucky Oaks Day. The reigning Horse of the Year won the Apple Blossom Handicap earlier this year and is the favorite, at 2-5 odds. Personally, I’ll be following Kelz’s journey and rooting for another Ls Down from McPeek, this time in the winner’s circle.

For more McPeek content, I encourage you to check out “Race for the Crown” on Netflix. I’ve only just started the docuseries, but it obviously covers McPeek’s wins in the Oaks and Derby, and I hear he entertains during his moments in the spotlight.