Ravens' Zay Flowers Reveals His Favorite Horse in 152nd Kentucky Derby
The 152nd Kentucky Derby is one day away and the buzz around Churchill Downs is already at a full boil. Bold hats, Mint Juleps, "My Old Kentucky Home." The whole scene that makes this race unlike anything else in sports.
A strong field of thoroughbreds is ready to chase the garland of roses and Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers made the trip to Churchill Downs to see what the Kentucky Derby is really about. That said, it turns out he also has a favorite to root for.
During an interview with ESPN's Marty Smith ahead of Saturday's race, Flowers discussed why he came. He said he didn't expect the Derby to be this big and wanted to witness it himself. When Smith asked him which horse caught his eye, Flowers pointed to one name.
"I had seen a video on Instagram this morning with So Happy. I like the story, so I'm riding with him," Flowers said.
So Happy's Road to the Kentucky Derby
Drawing post position 8, So Happy enters the race with solid connections and a resume to back it up. Mark Glatt trains the bay colt and veteran jockey Mike Smith gets the ride. Ownership is shared between Norman Stables LLC, led by Robbie Norman, and Saints or Sinners, operated by Hans and Ana Maron.
Leverett S. Miller is listed as breeder. The colt has already earned $444,000 heading into Saturday's start.
His record through April 4, 2026 stands at 3-for-4. So Happy broke his maiden on Nov. 22 at Del Mar Racetrack at 38-1 odds then picked up stakes wins on Jan. 10 and April 4 at Santa Anita Park. A third-place stakes finish at Santa Anita on March 7 is the only hiccup in that run.
The Story Behind So Happy
The part that caught Flowers' attention goes deeper than the record. Breeder Leverett Miller, now in his 90s, has spent decades dedicated to thoroughbred racing. This Derby means something personal to him. It carries the memory of his late wife, Linda Miller, who was central to building everything behind this horse.
Their life together and their work in racing lives on through So Happy's run on Saturday. On the track, the colt brings a balanced profile. Sired by Runhappy with the dam side tracing to Blame, So Happy has the speed and the stamina the Derby distance demands.
Flowers has his pick. Now it's time to see if So Happy can deliver.
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This story was originally published May 1, 2026 at 3:02 PM.