Former MLB star Jayson Werth is making headlines at the 2025 Kentucky Derby, but not for his baseball achievements. This year, Werth returns to Churchill Downs as co-owner of Flying Mohawk, a colt considered a long shot in the Run for the Roses
Werth, who won the 2008 World Series with the Phillies, owns 50% of Flying Mohawk through his stable, Two Eight Racing-a nod to his jersey number This marks his second Derby appearance as an owner, after Dornoch placed tenth last year before winning the Belmont Stakes
Flying Mohawk enters the Derby with limited experience on dirt, having raced mostly on turf and synthetic tracks before qualifying with a second-place finish in the Jeff Ruby Stakes. The colt’s odds hover around 27-1, and Werth himself admits to feeling “nervous as hell” but remains optimistic, especially after getting the muddy track conditions he hoped for
Werth’s presence and flamboyant neon green Derby outfit have added extra buzz to the event, but all eyes will be on Flying Mohawk to see if this underdog can pull off a surprise against the toughest field of his career
