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Updated May 1, 2021 - Sports

In photos: Medina Spirit wins Kentucky Derby amid pandemic restrictions

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Medina Spirit #8, ridden by jockey John Velazquez, (R) crosses the finish line to win the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 01, 2021 in Louisville, Kentucky.

Medina Spirit #8, ridden by jockey John Velazquez crosses the finish line to win the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 1, in Louisville, Kentucky. Photo: Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images

Medina Spirit won the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby Saturday, after the COVID-19 pandemic bucked the Triple Crown's schedule last year.

The state of play: 2021's race-day took place with health and safety guidelines in place because of the coronavirus, including temperature checks, required masks and reduced capacity.

Trainer Bob Baffert of Medina Spirit, raises the trophy after winning his seventh career Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 1, 2021 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Trainer Bob Baffert of Medina Spirit, raises the trophy after winning on May 1 his seventh career Kentucky Derby — the most a trainer has ever won at the event. Photo: Jamie Squire/Getty Images
Medina Spirit #8, ridden by jockey John Velazquez, crosses the finish line to win the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby usually hosts some 150,000 people, and over 170,000 people attended the event in 2015, per WDRB. 51,838 people attended the 2021 Derby, Churchill Downs spokesperson Darren Rogers said in a Twitter post. Photo: Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images
Fans line up above the paddock to watch the horses during the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 1 at Churchill Downs in Louisville. Icon Sportswire / Getty Images
Thoroughbred racehorses compete in a turf race at Churchill Downs on April 30.
Thoroughbred racehorses compete in a turf race at Churchill Downs on April 30. Photo: Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Horses break from the gate at the start of the I'll Have Another, race 5 on May 1.
Horses break from the gate at the start of the I'll Have Another, race 5 on May 1. Photo: Sarah Stier/Getty Images
A person with a fancy hat at Churchill Downs on may 1.
A person with a fancy hat at Churchill Downs on May 1. Photo: Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
More people with fancy hats at Churchill Downs on May 1.
Churchill Downs on May 1. Photo: Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Another fancy hat at Churchill Downs on May 1.
Another fancy hat at Churchill Downs on May 1. Photo: Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Fancy suits and more fancy hats at Churchill Downs on May 1.
Fancy suits and more fancy hats at Churchill Downs on May 1. Photo: Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Editor's note: This article has been updated with details of the race winner and more photos.

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