[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Preakness Stakes, first run in 1873, is a well-established sporting event in the US that predates the equally appreciated Kentucky Derby. During its 145-year decorated history, there were three years when the race was not held (namely 1891-1893); hence it is not considered the longest running sporting event in America. That distinction goes to the Kentucky Derby. It is held every third Saturday in May and the Pimlico race course in Baltimore serves as its home.
With more than 134,800 in attendance, the 143rd edition took place on May 19, 2018. Coming off a historic performance a few weeks ago, Justify, jockeyed by Mike Smith, came into the day as the favourite. Rain created sloppy track conditions and the sky was covered with a blinding fog. With ecstatic fans screaming from the top of their lungs, the race came down to the wire with Justify, Bravazo and Good Magic galloping rapidly neck to neck. In dramatic fashion, Justify came out on top, winning the race by just half a length. The winning owners received $900,000 of the $1.5 million dollar purse with second to fifth receiving $300,000, $165,000, $90,000 and $45,000 respectively.
Absent at the winner’s press conference this time around was Saint Lucia’s prime minister but the China Horse Club’s Mr. Teo Ah Khing certainly was on hand to say after the race: “Today was like the longest race in my life, waiting for 20 seconds for the official results felt like waiting for years!” It is a feeling many here are familiar with, if in different circumstances involving Teo Ah Khing!
