Kentucky Derby: Justify wins 144th horse race declared the wettest on record

Torrential rain prompted a flood warning before the contest got underway

More than 2.31 inches of rain had fallen by the race's start (Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports)

Justify prevailed in a waterlogged race to win the 144th Kentucky Derby.

The undefeated colt won the race despite not having raced as a two-year-old, triumphing over what was known as “Apollo’s curse” in reference to the only prior Kentucky Derby winner who had not raced at the age of two - a feat not accomplished since 1882.

Wet conditions made for a muddy slog, with torrential rain prompting a flood warning before the contest got underway.

More than 2.31 inches of rain had fallen by the race's start, breaking a prior record.

By the time the race got underway more than 2.8 inches had fallen.

The win for Justify came just months into his racing career. The colt has rattled off a string of victories since his maiden race in February.

His jockey, Mike Smith, collected his second Kentucky Derby win at the age of 52.