 |
|
| Staff Writer |
At Pimlico Race Course on 18th May, the 149th Gr.1 Preakness Stakes brought together renowned trainers. Expectations were high for racing elites like Baffert, McPeek, Cox, and Brown to dominate the event. However, the day took an unexpected turn when the spotlight shifted to the seasoned luminary of the sport, Lukas, who, at the remarkable age of 88, orchestrated another memorable upset. Under his guidance, MyRacehorse's Seize the Grey surged to a commanding 2 1/4-length victory over Gr.1 Kentucky Derby champion Mystik Dan, marking the sixth consecutive year without the possibility of a Triple Crown sweep.
 |
Seize the Grey's triumphant run dashed Mystik Dan's hopes for a Triple Crown victory, securing Lukas his seventh Preakness win, leaving him just one shy of his close friend Bob Baffert's record.
Managing the happiness of a small ownership group is challenging enough, let alone 2,570 owners. Yet, for Michael Behrens of MyRacehorse, the triumph of Seize the Grey in the Preakness Stakes made it all worthwhile. Selling micros hares, enabled thousands to share the joy. Despite owning less than one percent, the excitement of the 300 on-site owners rivaled that of full owners.
Cherie DeVaux's historic three-stakes victory earned her US$50,000 as the first female to claim the Maryland Jockey Club's top trainer bonus. Formerly an assistant, DeVaux's solo career boasts 170 wins and US$14 million in purses, including 11 graded-stakes wins. She secured her triumph with wins in all three races on Black-Eyed Susan Day and finished with 34 points, edging out Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen.
The morning after the Preakness Stakes, Pimlico's barn had calmed. Trainer Kenny McPeek, accompanied by his loyal Labrador, Sonny, arrived early. Sitting by Mystik Dan's stall, who placed second, McPeek expressed no disappointment, emphasizing the honor of competitive racing. Mystik Dan emerged well from the race, grazing contentedly. Saratoga is his next destination, possibly for the Belmont Stakes. Reflecting on Seize the Grey's victory, McPeek admitted underestimating the horse but praised its performance. Despite initial concerns about other competitors, Seize the Grey proved formidable. Mystik Dan's future awaits, with McPeek contemplating upcoming races after the intense Preakness experience.