Preakness Stakes 2024 In a stunning turn of events, Seize the Grey emerged victorious at the 2024 Preakness Stakes, quashing Mystik Dan’s aspirations for the Triple Crown. This win ensures that Justify, who triumphed in 2018, remains the latest horse to achieve this rare feat.
Notably, 88-year-old D. Wayne Lukas etched his name in the annals of history by becoming the oldest trainer to win a Triple Crown race. Despite a strong start from Mystik Dan, Seize the Grey seized the lead early and maintained his position throughout. Mystik Dan’s late surge after the final turn proved insufficient, relegating him to second place.
Record Preakness Payouts
The purse for this year’s race reached an unprecedented $2 million, with the owners of Seize the Grey, MyRacehorse, taking home $1.2 million. This marks the largest payout in Preakness history. Bettors who backed Seize the Grey also enjoyed significant returns, particularly those who correctly predicted the race’s top finishers.
D. Wayne Lukas: A Legend in the Making
D. Wayne Lukas continues to embody the spirit of thoroughbred racing. Despite his advanced age, he remains dedicated, rising at 3:30 a.m. daily to oversee his horses. Lukas, who first won the Preakness in 1980 with Codex, celebrated his seventh victory with Seize the Grey. His unwavering commitment to the sport is a testament to his enduring legacy.
Insights from the Trainers
Following the race, Lukas expressed confidence in Seize the Grey’s performance, even as Mystik Dan closed the gap. “Watch out, he’s not gonna quit,” he recalled thinking. Meanwhile, Mystik Dan’s trainer, Kenny McPeek, graciously acknowledged Lukas’s victory, praising both his team and the horse, despite the setback.
Preakness Stakes Results
- Seize the Grey
- Mystik Dan
- Catching Freedom
- Tuscan Gold
- Just Steel
- Uncle Heavy
- Imagination
- Mugatu
Preakness Stakes Odds and Conditions
The post positions for the 2024 Preakness Stakes were set on May 13, featuring an eight-horse field. The race, held on a muddy track following a rainy day in Baltimore, saw conditions that added an extra layer of challenge.
Odds:
- Mugatu: 20-1
- Uncle Heavy: 20-1
- Catching Freedom: 7-2
- Mystik Dan: 8-5
- Seize the Grey: 12-1
- Just Steel: 12-1
- Tuscan Gold: 9-2
- Imagination: 3-1
Notable Moments and Atmosphere
Ravens legend Ray Lewis added a unique flair to the event with his “Riders up” announcement, complete with his signature dance. Despite a forecast of thunderstorms, the weather held steady during the race, though rain and cooler temperatures were prevalent.
Upcoming Events
The Belmont Stakes, slated for June 8 at Saratoga Race Course, will be shorter this year at 1 ¼ miles due to renovations at Belmont Park. This shift marks a historic change in the race’s venue and distance.
Preakness Stakes 2024: An Unforgettable Race
The Impact of Muth’s Scratch
Muth, initially the favorite for the Preakness, was scratched due to a 103-degree fever, creating a buzz at Pimlico Race Course. Trainer Kenny McPeek acknowledged the added pressure but remained optimistic about Mystik Dan’s readiness. Muth’s absence undeniably shifted the dynamics of the race, amplifying the spotlight on Mystik Dan and Seize the Grey.
Reflections on the Derby and Beyond
Mystik Dan’s victory at the Kentucky Derby was nothing short of spectacular. Trainer Kenny McPeek and jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. executed a near-perfect race strategy, edging out Sierra Leone in a thrilling photo finish. The Derby saw record-breaking wagers and viewership, a testament to the enduring fascination with horse racing’s most prestigious events.
Bob Baffert’s Perspective
Three years since his suspension from Churchill Downs, Bob Baffert remains a pivotal figure in the racing world. Speaking from Pimlico, where he saddled Imagination, Baffert expressed his longing to return to the Derby scene. His six Derby victories, tied with Ben Jones for the most by any trainer, underscore his significant influence on the sport.
Historical Context of the Triple Crown
The Triple Crown, consisting of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes, is the pinnacle of American Thoroughbred racing. Since its inception, only 13 horses have clinched this coveted title, with Justify being the most recent in 2018. The challenge of winning all three races in a single year continues to captivate the racing community and fans alike.
Preakness Stakes Winners Since 2000
A glance at past Preakness winners highlights the race’s rich history and the remarkable horses that have triumphed:
- 2023: National Treasure (1:55.12)
- 2022: Early Voting (1:54.54)
- 2021: Rombauer (1:53.62)
- 2020: Swiss Skydiver (1:53.28)
- 2019: War of Will (1:54.34)
- 2018: Justify (1:55.93) [Triple Crown Winner]
- 2017: Cloud Computing (1:55.98)
- 2016: Exaggerator (1:58.31)
- 2015: American Pharoah (1:58.46) [Triple Crown Winner]
- 2014: California Chrome (1:54.84)
The Unique Challenge of the Preakness
The Preakness Stakes, at 1 3/16 miles, is the shortest of the Triple Crown races. This distance demands a balance of speed and stamina, often favoring horses that can recover quickly from the grueling Kentucky Derby. For Mystik Dan, the physical toll of the Derby was a significant factor, yet his performance at Pimlico showcased his resilience and the adept training he received.
Filly Champions in the Preakness
Throughout its history, only six fillies have won the Preakness Stakes. The most recent, Swiss Skydiver in 2020, demonstrated that female horses can compete at the highest levels of the sport. This year, however, the field did not include any fillies, focusing the competition among male contenders.
The Future of Horse Racing
Despite the fluctuations in its popularity, horse racing continues to draw substantial interest, particularly during marquee events. The success of the 2024 Preakness Stakes, coupled with the excitement surrounding the upcoming Belmont Stakes, highlights the sport’s resilience and enduring appeal. As safety protocols evolve and betting technology advances, horse racing is poised to adapt and thrive in the modern era.
