Get ready for the greatest two minutes in sports. With the 143^rd running of the Kentucky Derby quickly approaching, let’s look back at some of the top races in derby history. From improbable comeback wins to fighting jockeys, you never know what is going to happen once these horses turn into the stretch. Pour yourself a Mint Julep, sit back and enjoy.

Mine That Bird (2009)
There’s something about comeback wins that just resonate deep with sports fans. 2009’s derby ended in one of the biggest stunners in the history of the sport and is the epitome of a comeback. Watch jockey Calvin Borel take his horse from last place to first before the announcer, Tom Durkin, even has time to realize Mine That Bird is there. It’s spectacular to watch and it must have been pretty nice for anyone who took the 50-1 odds…

Charismatic (1999)
Horse race fans across the country were treated to one of the most remarkable finishes ever at the 1999 derby. Turning into the stretch, it looked like Cat Thief or Worldly Manner were going to take the purse, but Charismatic had other ideas. Turning on the jets in the final seconds of the race, jockey Chris Antley capitulated his horse into the lead and won it all by barely a head. The horse would go on to win Preakness but fell short in the final leg of the Triple Crown. 

Winning Colors (1988)
Happening only 22 times in the derby’s history, a wire to wire win is no easy task. Winning Colors, rode by Gary Stevens, jumped out to an early lead and would not be challenged until the final seconds of the race. It’s a nail biter and one of the most thrilling endings to a derby in the race’s history.

Grindstone (1996)
Photo finish: the only two words that are needed for a derby to go down in history. The final quarter-mile had Cavonnier looking like the clear winner, when Grindstone came out of nowhere (well, 15^th place to be precise) to end the race in spectacular fashion. It was too close to call and took a long review before Grindstone was finally declared the winner. Unfortunately, the horse was retired due to injury shortly after his derby win, but his legend still lives on.

Brokers Tip (1933)
This one is just classic and you’d be hard pressed to find another derby finish that was as physical. Known as the “Fighting Finish,” that is exactly what happened. Going into the stretch, jockeys Don Meade (Brokers Tip) and Herb Fisher (Head Play) decided to make things interesting. Side by side, they proceeded to claw and grab at each other while using their whips on the other jockey. Now that’s some passionate racing.