Phantom Fireworks sponsors horse in Saturday's 142nd Kentucky Derby

Staff report

A Youngstown business will be part of the 142nd Kentucky Derby on Saturday.

Phantom Fireworks is sponsoring Trojan Nation, which currently has 50-1 odds and drew the inside post for the first of three races in the Triple Crown.

Jockey Aaron Gryer will be wearing Phantom Fireworks logos on his uniform. Trojan Nation is trainer Patrick Gallagher's second horse that will start the Kentucky Derby. In 2003, Gallagher trained Domestic Dispute, which finished 10th the year Funny Cide won.

Trojan Nation is still a maiden entering the race after finishing a head short in the Wood Memorial on April 9, nearly winning the race with 81-1 odds. Nevertheless, the place showing was enough to earn a sport in the field of 22.

Phantom Fireworks CEO Bruce Zoldan has had success in Louisville before. In 2011, Team Valor, a group of which Zoldan is a partner, celebrated Animal Kingdom's win.

The following year Team Valor's horse Went the Day Well, finished fourth.

Zoldan hopes this year can be his second trip to the victory circle.

"Winning a Kentucky Derby and having a second horse qualify and place the following year will always be surreal to me" Zoldan said. "We are highly delighted to be sponsoring Trojan Nation and we are wishing him and Gallagner the best of luck."