134th Preakness Stakes

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
May 19, 2009

134th Preakness Stakes

Starting Blocks

And they're off ... for the running of the 134th Preakness Stakes.

Pack Mentality

Despite her No. 13 post position, pre-race favorite Rachel Alexandra (jockey Calvin Borel wearing yellow) assumes a share of the early, early lead.

They Know Drama

Rachel Alexandra (left) and Big Drama set a blistering pace in the first quarter-mile. Big Drama would eventually take 5th place in the Preakness.

Left Behind

The Pimilico crowd gets a gander at the Preakness field at Turn 1.

Hugging The Rail

Jockey Calvin Borel gets low as Rachel Alexandra explodes down the left side.

Dirty Work

The horses enjoyed a slightly drier day for the Preakness than the rain-addled Kentucky Derby on May 1, although they were covered in dirt by race's end.

Fantastic Filly

Rachel Alexandra is the first filly to win the Preakness since 1924, spanning 85 years.

Milestone Man

Calvin Borel is the first jockey in history to win the first two legs of the Triple Crown on different horses (Kentucky Derby -- Mine That Bird; Preakness -- Rachel Alexandra).

Near-Photo Finish

Just like the Derby, Mine That Bird rallied from a huge early deficit. But unlike the Derby, MTB had to settle for second place in the Preakness.

She's The One

Upon switching from Mine That Bird before the Preakness, jockey Calvin Borel referred to Rachel Alexandra as a "once-in-a-lifetime" racing horse.

The Afterglow

Jockey Calvin Borel couldn't wait to give Rachel Alexandra a much-deserved pat after her Preakness victory.

Win, Place & Show

The Big Three from the Preakness: First place, Rachel Alexandra (center); second place, Mine That Bird (left) and third place, Musket Man (right).

Fulfilling Her Destiny

Rachel Alexandra was an overwhelming Preakness favorite, based on her dominating victory at the Kentucky Oaks.

One More To Go

On June 6 at the Belmont Stakes, jockey Calvin Borel could become the first jockey in racing history to win all three Triple Crown races -- but on different horses.

In The Winners Circle

Thanks to Rachel Alexandra's Preakness victory, this season will mark just the sixth time in 13 years an official Triple Crown will not be on the line at the Belmont Stakes.

134th Preakness Stakes