Horse Named After Rob Gronkowski Wins Kentucky Derby Conditions Stakes Race

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski fell just short of winning the biggest game in his sport last season, but a horse named after him took a big step toward winning the biggest race in his discipline Wednesday.

According to ESPN.com's Darren Rovell, a horse named Gronkowski won the Kentucky Derby conditions stakes at Kempton Park in London on Wednesday night, giving him 20 qualification points toward the Kentucky Derby.

The horse's owner, Kerri Radcliffe, explained the unique name to Racing Post (h/t Rovell) last month: "I love the New England Patriots, and as Rob Gronkowski is 6'5" and about the same wide, I thought it would be an appropriate name for the horse, as he's built much the same."

Gronkowski the football player likes to celebrate touchdowns by spiking the football, but a lack of opposable thumbs will likely preclude Gronkowski the horse from spiking the roses draped around him should he win the Kentucky Derby.