Different

vibe at Derby

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — This is the first Kentucky Derby since Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas died last summer at age 89. His presence still lingers everywhere under the twin spires at Churchill Downs.

The Lukas Gap is clearly marked between the fabled track and where his barn has been since the 1980s. The trainer of Derby favorite Renegade, Todd Pletcher, is one of countless horsemen who worked for Lukas, whose racing version of a coaching tree is unmatched in the sport.

His presence is missed by Bob Baffert and others who sense a different vibe this week without Lukas.

Simmons retires

from NFL

DENVER (AP) — Two-time Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons has retired following a nine-year career, including eight seasons with the Denver Broncos. The Broncos announced Simmons’ retirement on Wednesday and noted the news came exactly 10 years after the team selected the safety in the third round in 2016.

Though Simmons started 16 games for the Atlanta Falcons in his final season in 2024, when he had two interceptions, he enjoyed most of his success with Denver. Each of his two Pro Bowl seasons came with the Broncos. He also was a four-time second-team All-Pro for Denver.

Wild look

to advance

DALLAS (AP) — The Minnesota Wild are going home with a chance to advance in the NHL playoffs for the first time since 2015. The Wild have a 3-2 series lead going into Game 6 tonight against the Dallas Stars. The Wild won 4-2 in Dallas on Tuesday night.

The only other time Minnesota has ever had a 3-2 series lead was in 2015, when beating St. Louis in six games to advance to the second round. The Wild have since lost nine consecutive playoff series, including to Dallas in 2016 and 2023.