National Treasure won the 148th Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course after holding off Blazing Sevens in the stretch run, giving jockey John Velazquez his first Preakness victory and trainer Bob Baffert a record eighth.
National Treasure had 5-2 odds to win at the time of the race.
Earlier in the day, Baffert-trained Havnameltdown had to be euthanized on the track after suffering an injury during a race. Jockey Luis Saez went to a local hospital with a leg injury.
The Preakness win capped off an emotional day for Baffert and his team.
“This business is twists and turns, the ups and downs,” Baffert told NBC after the Preakness. “… We had a horrible race. We’ve been really just totally wiped out after that horse got hurt. This game, there’s so many responsibilities a trainer has — employees, horses, jockeys, safety. Losing that horse today really hurt, but I’m happy for Johnny. He got the win.”
Velazquez had three Kentucky Derby wins and two Belmont Stakes victories under his belt entering the Preakness, but the Horse Racing Hall of Famer got to check another race off his bucket list.
“It means the world. For … the success that I had in other races, not having one of this one was definitely missing, so very special to have it,” Velazquez told NBC.
Baffert did not have a horse in the Kentucky Derby earlier this month and did not participate in any Triple Crown race last year, making this year’s Preakness his return to the big stage.
“I love Pimlico. I love Baltimore. I love these horses,” Baffert said. “That’s why we get through these tough times together as a team. I’ve got a great staff. … This horse deserves it. We’ve always thought he was a good horse.”