Why Messier the Kentucky Derby horse was named after NHL legend Mark Messier

Mark Messier's horse, Messer, is going to compete in the Kentucky Derby this Saturday. The horse was born and bred at Sam-Son Farms in Milton, Ont. It was purchased as a yearling by Tom Ryan and his group, SF Bloodstock/SF Racing LLC. Messy won the Bob Hope Stakes in San Diego in November and the Robert B. Lewis Stake in February. He was trained by Tim Yakteen after Bob Baffert was suspended.

Messier the Kentucky Derby horse was named after NHL legend Mark Messier. Ryan's wife Katie has ties to the hockey world. Her father is Pat Hughes, who played in NHL for 10 seasons, including four seasons with the Oilers. Katie's uncle is Mark Naper, another former NHL player who spent 11 seasons in the league, three with Edmonton.

Messier is the third favorite to win the Kentucky Derby. He is named after NHL legend Mark Messier.