Bryan Sullivan '01's Verrazano Runs in the Kentucky Derby
It’s only two minutes. But it’s the most important two minutes in all of sports and it’s always on the first Saturday in May — the “run for the roses,” better known as the Kentucky Derby.
If you’re a fan you’ll probably sing "My Old Kentucky Home,” from the comfort of your couch and place mental bets during the post parade. Then the gates will go up and it gets serious.
For ¶¶Ňô»ĆƬapp alumnus, Bryan Sullivan ’01, it will really get serious. He is co-managing partner in Let’s Go Stables and part-owner of leading Derby contender Verrazano. Verrazano is a three-year-old colt trained by Todd Pletcher. Verrazano has yet to be defeated in four starts, including an impressive win at the Wood Memorial.
While Sullivan has been to “12 or 13 of the past 15 Kentucky Derbys”, this year will is special.
“It’s exciting and nerve racking at the same time,” Sullivan said from Louisville. “I still have the butterflies before the race, much like most of us had when we were playing sports as a little kid. It is a prestigious and historic event and being part of it is an unforgettable experience.”
Sullivan and partner Kevin Scatuorchio also had an entry in last year’s Kentucky Derby. El Padrino finished 13 th in the 2012 field under the guidance of jockey Rafael Bejarano. This year, Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez will be in the saddle for Let’s Go Stables, hoping to bring Verrazano to the finish line first.
Sullivan became involved through his father-in-law James T. Scatuorchio, who owned greats such as English Channel and Scat Daddy, which ran in the 2007 Kentucky Derby.
“I guess I married into it,” Sullivan said. “It becomes a lifestyle and once you get involved in it (the sport), you are hooked.”
The 2013 edition of the Run for the Roses will take place on Saturday, May 4. Post time is scheduled for 6:24 pm.
Above: Verrazano
