The 2024 Preakness race at Pimlico was a memorable one, with Seize the Grey, trained by D. Wayne Lukas, emerging as the surprise winner. The colt upset the favorites and paid $21.60 to win, leaving Derby winner Mystik Dan to finish in second place and Catching Freedom in third. Mystik Dan’s performance didn’t do much to enhance his reputation as he struggled to hold onto his position throughout the race.
The victory at the Preakness was a special moment for 88-year-old trainer D. Wayne Lukas, who has been a legendary figure in American horse racing for decades. Lukas, known for his dedication to his horses, was thrilled with Seize the Grey’s wire-to-wire win. Despite expectations that Seize the Grey would be overtaken by other horses in the field, he maintained his lead throughout the race, impressing jockey Brian Hernandez with his resilience.
Seize the Grey’s victory was especially noteworthy as he is owned by a consortium of 2570 owners, each of whom paid $127 for their share in the Preakness winner. This new model of ownership through MyRacehorse allowed for a broad base of owners to be part of the winning horse’s success. Lukas, who last won the Preakness eleven years ago, was praised by fellow trainers and the public for his success with Seize the Grey.
Despite the challenging conditions on Pimlico’s sloppy track, Seize the Grey’s performance was a standout moment in the 149th running of the Preakness. Lukas’s skillful training and the colt’s resilience impressed onlookers and solidified his place in the history of the Triple Crown’s class of three-year-olds. With a wire-to-wire win and a surprising upset over the favorites, Seize the Grey’s victory will be remembered as a highlight of the 2024 Preakness.
The Preakness win for Seize the Grey marks a significant moment in his racing career and showcases the potential for new ownership models in horse racing. The excitement and unpredictability of the race, coupled with Lukas’s experience and dedication, made for a memorable event for all involved. As the Triple Crown season continues, Seize the Grey’s victory will be celebrated as a triumph over adversity and a testament to the resilience of both horse and trainer.