Seize the Grey Wins Preakness Stakes, Halts Mystik Dan’s Triple Crown Bid

The Triple Crown of horse racing continued on Saturday at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, where Seize the Grey triumphed in the Preakness Stakes, eliminating Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan’s chance to accomplish the coveted feat.

Jockey Jaime Torres celebrated atop Seize the Grey, who, with 9-1 odds, finished well ahead of 2-1 favorite Mystik Dan. The horse crossed the finish line on the muddy track in 1:56.82. This win marked the seventh Triple Crown race victory for 88-year-old Wayne Lukas, the oldest trainer to achieve such a feat.

Jaime Torres, riding Seize The Grey, reacts after winning the Preakness Stakes horse race on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

“Hats off to him, I mean, I’m in awe of what he just pulled off,” said Bob Baffert, an eight-time Preakness-winning trainer.

Seize the Grey dominated the race from the start, leaving Torres, who discovered his interest in horse racing in 2019 while watching TV in Puerto Rico, at a loss for words.

“I’m very excited, very excited, and very thankful to all the people that have been beside me, helping me,” Torres remarked.

The 149th running of the Preakness marked the last time the race would be held at Pimlico in its current form, with renovations planned that will see the track under construction during the 2025 race.

The Triple Crown will conclude on June 8 with the 156th Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga, New York. The event, typically held at Belmont Park on Long Island, had to be relocated due to construction.