A year ago, trainer Larry Jones had just recently been released from the hospital. Known for exercising his own horses, he’d been thrown by a rambunctious 2-year-old, landing on his face and suffering serious internal injuries.

A month ago, 56-year-old jockey Kerwin Clark had never won a Grade I race.

On Friday afternoon, they were united in the winner’s circle at Churchill Downs, celebrating Lovely Maria’s victory in the 141st Kentucky Oaks.

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Photo of Lovely Maria and Kerwin Clark courtesy of Reed Palmer/Churchill Downs