The Chicago Cubs flew the “W” at Churchill Downs on Thursday night when third baseman Alex Bregman’s Act of Parliament rallied to win the final race of the evening with nearly the entire team there to celebrate.

Act of Parliament prevails (Coady Media)

The Cubs used their Thursday off day to visit Churchill Downs before beginning a three-game series Friday against the Cincinnati Reds.

Trained by Will Walden, Act of Parliament overcame a troubled start and rallied five wide under Axel Concepcion to win the 6 ½-furlong maiden claiming race by three-quarters of a length. The 3-year-old son of Quality Road completed the distance in 1:18.07 and returned $8.68.

“It was electric,” Walden said. “To have Alex and the entire team here and then have the horse come through like that made it a pretty special night.”

The evening quickly became a team affair. Several Cubs rookies dressed in racing-themed costumes, including pitcher Ryan Rolison, who spent part of the evening in a horse costume; and Pedro Ramirez, who dressed as a jockey.

Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, a strong candidate for the National League’s Most Valuable Player award, also delivered a paddock pep talk to Act of Parliament before the race.

Unforgettable post-race celebration (Coady Media)

“PCA pep talk, we couldn’t lose,” Bregman said.

Apparently, he was right.

Act of Parliament, who was squeezed at the start, settled off the pace before circling the field and surging to the lead in the final strides.

“What a fun night,” Concepcion said. “It was so awesome to have the support of the entire team. You could hear them and feel the energy. It was something I’ll never forget.”

The celebration carried into the winner’s circle, where Cubs players chanted “Axel” before lifting Concepcion into the air.

Manager Craig Counsell even got involved and led Act of Parliament into the winner’s circle after the race.