President Trump praises ‘new Golden Age’ in Kentucky Derby statement: “Reharnessing our heritage’

President Donald Trump praised the enactment of his medication successful a connection connected Saturday and shared his "best wishes" to the competitors of the 151st variation of the Kentucky Derby, an lawsuit helium says represents an "iconic American institution." 

Trump released a connection hours earlier the tract of 19 thoroughbreds volition instrumentality their spot earlier stampeding 1.25 miles astir Churchill Downs, successful beforehand of 150,000 fans connected Saturday night. 

A contention instrumentality sits successful the stands astatine Churchill Downs earlier the 151st moving of the Kentucky Oaks equine contention connected Friday, May 2, 2025, successful Louisville, Ky.  (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

"The Kentucky Derby is not lone a stakes race, but besides an iconic American instauration and an elegant solemnisation of our culture, customs, and unwavering competitory spirit," the president’s connection read. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"When the archetypal Kentucky Derby commenced successful the outpouring of 1875—1 twelvemonth earlier the 100th day of American independence—our Nation was successful the midst of a expansive transformation.  Westward enlargement was underway, our industries were booming, and the committedness of Manifest Destiny was beating successful the hearts of 10,000 spectators gathered successful anticipation for a united, prosperous, and triumphant American future."

Trump’s connection went connected to accidental that this year’s contention besides serves arsenic a reminder that "we are successful the aboriginal days of a caller Golden Age." 

U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks to graduating students astatine the Coleman Coliseum astatine the University of Alabama connected May 1, 2025, successful Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Trump's remarks travel the time earlier authoritative commencement ceremonies.  (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

KENTUCKY DERBY 2025: SIGHTS AND SCENES FROM CHURCHILL DOWNS

"Now, arsenic our Nation gathers for that aforesaid Derby 150 years later—and 1 twelvemonth earlier we observe 250 years of independence—we admit that we are successful the aboriginal days of a caller Golden Age.  Before our precise eyes, we are witnessing a resurgence of the American economy, a rebirth of American strength, and a restoration of the American Dream.  Today, arsenic we bask the venerated springtime contented of the Kentucky Derby, my Administration pledges to proceed the enactment of reforming our country, reharnessing our heritage, and reigniting each our greatness and glory.

"I nonstop my champion wishes for a harmless and palmy Kentucky Derby.  May God bless you, and whitethorn He proceed to bless the United States of America.  May the champion equine win!"

Journalism was the 3-1 favourite heading into contention day. The colt volition interruption from the No. 8 post, which has seen 9 winners astatine Churchill Downs. 

Kentucky Derby entrant Journalism works retired astatine Churchill Downs connected Thursday, May 1, 2025, successful Louisville, Ky.  (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The contention is slated to statesman astatine 6:57 p.m. ET connected NBC and volition apt beryllium a muddy 1 with upwind forecasts predicting a 90% accidental of rain.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports sum connected X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.