Dark horse Seize the Grey shocked the racing world with a victory in the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore, denying Mystik Dan a chance at Triple Crown glory and securing another win for legendary trainer D. Wayne Lukas. The thrilling race saw Seize the Grey, a 9-1 long shot owned by 2,750 micro-investors, emerge as the winner, marking Lukas’ seventh Preakness victory. As Lukas basked in the excitement of the win, he was mobbed by competitors and fellow trainers congratulating him on his success.
With Mystik Dan finishing in second place, the number of Triple Crown winners remained at 13, with Justify being the most recent in 2018. Seize the Grey, ridden by 25-year-old jockey Jaime Torres, led at the top of the stretch before Mystik Dan made a strong bid for the lead. However, Seize the Grey refused to yield and ultimately pulled away in the final strides to secure a comfortable victory. The surprise win paid out $21.60 for a $2 win bet, with Catching Freedom finishing in third place.
Despite being denied a potential Triple Crown victory, Mystik Dan’s trainer Kenny McPeek had nothing but praise for Lukas, admitting that if he were to be beaten by anyone, he was glad it was by the revered trainer. Lukas, now with seven Preakness wins under his belt, joked that his competitors may be trying to push him into retirement. With his long and storied career in horse racing, Lukas remains a respected figure in the sport, alongside Bob Baffert, who has eight Preakness wins.
The scene in the winner’s circle was one of jubilation and excitement as Lukas celebrated yet another major victory. As fans and well-wishers gathered to congratulate him, Lukas reflected on the significance of the win and the joy it brought to so many people. The victory of Seize the Grey was a testament to the unpredictability and excitement of horse racing, showcasing the thrill of unexpected outcomes and the passion of those involved in the sport.
As the racing season progresses, attention will now shift to the Belmont Stakes, the final race of the Triple Crown series. Taking place on June 8 just outside of New York City, the Belmont Stakes will be the last chance for horses to make their mark on the racing world. With the memory of Seize the Grey’s stunning victory fresh in their minds, fans and enthusiasts of horse racing will eagerly await the next chapter in the sport’s history, filled with excitement, drama, and the thrill of competition.
