As Kentucky Derby winner Mage finished his morning gallop at Saratoga Race Course, watching close by were trainers Gustavo Delgado and his son Gustavo Delgado Jr.

“It’s amazing to share this experience for the Kentucky Derby, for the Triple Crown, for the Travers,” the elder Delgado said.

He has been training horses for more than four decades, dating back to his days in Venezuela. For a good chuck of his tenure, his son has been there by his side.

“I always say I didn’t get to choose,” said Gustavo Delgado Jr., with a laugh. “He’s a good partner, he’s a good boss and my best friend.”

After dominating in their home country, the pair moved to the United States in 2014 with aspirations of duplicating success here. Two years after arriving, Gustavo Delgado won his first American Grade 1 Stakes in the Test at the Spa with 55-1 longshot Paola Queen.

“There’s some sort of magic here around it,” Gustavo Delgado Jr. said. “Horses seem to like it. Pretty much all of them.”

The Delgados would go on to win two more Grade 1 stakes, including this year’s Run for the Roses, their first Triple Crown race victory in the U.S.

“We are working two year, three year, four year for this moment,” Gustavo Delgado said.

“I felt confident going into the race, and then when he actually showed up the way he did, and then everything went according to plan,” Delgado Jr. said.

On Saturday, they’re hoping to add another Grade 1 stakes to their resume as Mage prepares to run in the Travers. But the Midsummer Derby will have fierce competition, with Preakness Stakes winner National Treasure, Belmont Stakes winner Arcangelo and Jim Dandy winner Forte competing.

The 3-year-old colt has already done plenty for the father-and-son trainers, but they hope Mage can bring them another special moment to share together this weekend.

“I am very happy with his company. It’s amazing,” Gustavo Delgado said.

“It’s a really nice feeling,” Delgado Jr. said. “I wish every father, son has the same relationship that I have with my father.”