Lanerie Retains Mount on Mo Tom

Jockey Corey Lanerie will ride Mo Tom (Uncle Mo) in the GI Kentucky Derby, according to the colt's owners, GMB Racing. Though Lanerie has been the horse's regular rider, there was speculation he would lose the assignment after managing to get Mo Tom into serious traffic problems in each of his last two starts, the GII Risen Star S. and the GII Louisiana Derby.

GMB Racing is comprised of Gayle and Tom Benson, also the owners of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans. They will also send out Tom's Ready (More Than Ready) in the Derby.

“We who handle the GMB Racing operation are excited that the Bensons have given us a great horse in which to compete in the Kentucky Derby,” said GMB spokesman Greg Bensel. “They reward loyalty. Corey is the consistent leading rider at Churchill Downs. He has won on Mo Tom in a stakes at Churchill Downs and knows the horse and track better than most.

“Corey knows Mo Tom and his devastating late kick as he has ridden him in all but one of his races. This is not something you want to learn or feel for the first time on May 7. This was a decision we made as a team, with the Bensons very much involved. They support loyalty and Corey has been loyal and deserves to ride 'Mo' in the Derby.”

Bensel admitted that there was a worry that Lanerie's poor rides in the Fair Grounds races would become a distraction come Derby Week.

“Our concern was not Corey, but more so the questions that would come regarding the two trips and how that would overshadow Mo Tom being in the Derby,” he said. “We are very confident that Corey will ride his race and turn the page and do what he does so successfully at Churchill Downs year in and year out. And let's not forget one component–this is about Mo Tom. He is working great in the mornings, doing everything Tom Amoss asks and he deserves this careful consideration of who will ride him.”