SILVER CHARM, the 4 to 1 second favourite, held on to win the Kentucky Derby in a thrilling finale at Churchill Downs in front of a crowd of almost 142,000 on Saturday.

The Californian grey made his challenge around the home turn under Gary Stevens and was driven up to lead a furlong out. However, this was to prove no easy ride, as the favourite, Captain Bodgit, finished strongly, and Silver Charm was all out to contain him by a head.

Agony for the connections of Captain Bodgit, but delight for winning trainer, Bob Baffert, whose Cavonnier was agonisingly touched off last year.

Free House was three and a half lengths back in third, with Pulpit weakening into fourth after making a lot of the early running.