Colt named Coach Pope wins maiden race at Churchill Downs

A 2-year-old colt named Coach Pope secured his first career victory at Churchill Downs on September 12, 2026. Competing in a Maiden Special Weight race during the track's September Meet, the horse finished the one-mile distance in 1:35.77 on a fast track. Jockey Jose Ortiz guided the colt to a 1½ length win after breaking well and pulling away from competitors Fullback and Justification following the final turn. The horse is trained by Kenny McPeek and is owned by Gainsway Stable, Shamrock Stables, and Michael J. Mackin. While the colt shares a name with the University of Kentucky men’s basketball head coach, Mark Pope, the coach has no ownership stake or personal connection to the animal.

• 10:20 PMYahoo Sports — Horse named after Kentucky's Mark Pope wins race at Churchill Downs