Marty McGee 12y

Hero of Order wins La. Derby

Horse Racing

Hero of Order pulled a huge upset Sunday when sent away at 109-1 before narrowly holding off Mark Valeski to win the 99th running of the Grade 2, $1 million Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds in New Orleans.

With Eddie Martin Jr. aboard for trainer Gennadi Dorochenko, Hero of Order dueled for the lead with another longshot, Comisky's Humor, before edging clear after turning for home. None of the others in the field of 13 3-year-olds could get past him, with Mark Valeski and jockey Rosie Napravnik coming up about a half-length short. Rousing Sermon was third and Cigar Street was fourth.

Hero of Order, by Sharp Humor, paid $220.80 after finishing the 1 1/8 miles in 1:50.13 over a fast track. The Kentucky-bred colt is owned by Raut LLC.

Mark Valeski was part of a favored Larry Jones entry with Mr. Bowling.

The $2 exacta (12-1) paid $491.80 and the $1 trifecta (12-1-11) returned $3,906.

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