The 145th running of the Preakness, held at Baltimore’s Pimlico Race Course on October 3, 2020, saw history made. The Preakness website called it “A Jewel to Remember!” Swiss Skydiver became only the sixth filly to win the Preakness in its 145 year history, and the first since Rachel Alexandra captured it in 2009. She outpaced favorite and Kentucky Derby winner Authentic to win the race that concluded this year’s Triple Crown season. The Preakness is normally the second of the three races, but this classic race for 3-year-olds was postponed from May 16 to October 3 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Breaking from the number 4 position, Swiss Skydiver got off to a strong start and went straight to the rail. Thousand Words took the early lead, with Authentic in second, and it wasn’t long before Authentic took over the lead from Thousand Words. But soon, Swiss Skydiver, still on the rail, moved ahead of Authentic, and Thousand Words receded to the number two spot. Authentic poured on some speed to move up alongside Swiss Skydiver. Moving into the stretch, it was Authentic and Swiss Skydiver, still on the rail, dueling nose to nose as they arrived at the final furlong! The two moved ahead several strides ahead of the rest of the field. The Derby Winner and the Filly put on quite a show! They were still nose to nose going through the wire, so close that the announcer called out, “And it’s going to be…a photo finish! Was it the Filly Swiss Skydiver? I think she did it!” Yes she did! The final time was 1:53.10 for the 1 3/16 mile distance, the second fastest time in Preakness history. Secretariat still holds the record of 1:53.0 (1973). Jockey Robby Albarado, trainer Ken McPeek, and owner Peter Callahan were ecstatic with the win!
Jesus’ Team was third and Art Collector placed fourth. Read more about the Preakenss and view the final results at: www.preakness.com.
Breaking from the number 4 position, Swiss Skydiver got off to a strong start and went straight to the rail. Thousand Words took the early lead, with Authentic in second, and it wasn’t long before Authentic took over the lead from Thousand Words. But soon, Swiss Skydiver, still on the rail, moved ahead of Authentic, and Thousand Words receded to the number two spot. Authentic poured on some speed to move up alongside Swiss Skydiver. Moving into the stretch, it was Authentic and Swiss Skydiver, still on the rail, dueling nose to nose as they arrived at the final furlong! The two moved ahead several strides ahead of the rest of the field. The Derby Winner and the Filly put on quite a show! They were still nose to nose going through the wire, so close that the announcer called out, “And it’s going to be…a photo finish! Was it the Filly Swiss Skydiver? I think she did it!” Yes she did! The final time was 1:53.10 for the 1 3/16 mile distance, the second fastest time in Preakness history. Secretariat still holds the record of 1:53.0 (1973). Jockey Robby Albarado, trainer Ken McPeek, and owner Peter Callahan were ecstatic with the win!
Jesus’ Team was third and Art Collector placed fourth. Read more about the Preakenss and view the final results at: www.preakness.com.
