Always a Runner wins 152nd running of Kentucky Oaks under night lights of Churchill Downs

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Always a Runner crossed the finish line first Friday night in the 152nd running of the Kentucky Oaks and the first under the bright lights of Churchill Downs.

Always a Runner is trained by Chad Brown and was ridden by jockey Jose Ortiz. Meaning came in second and Counting Stars came in third.

Oaks was held in prime time this year with a post time of 8:40 p.m. in front of a crowd of 103,290.

By post time for the top race for 3-year-old fillies, Always a Runner and Zany were the co-favorites at 9-2 odds.

Trainer Whit Beckman withdrew Nycon on Friday morning from the Kentucky Oaks. The Nyquist filly had not won at 3, but ran third in the Grade 3 Gazelle to qualify. Beckman told The Daily Racing Form that he'd become concerned about inconsistencies in her gait.

Oaks Day is a celebration of breast cancer awareness, and the various shades of pink are on display everywhere you look.

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