Curlin Beats Street Sense in Photo Finish
Curlin stuck his head our in front on the final stride of the Preakness Stakes, literally winning the race by a nose, over Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense. Curlin nosed out Street Sense in a photo finish.The riveting finish was the finale in a blazing race that equaled the record breaking speeds of 1996 and 1985.
It looked like another win for Street Sense, ridden by jockey Calvin Borel, who rallied to take the lead in the stretch. Curlin, driven by Jockey Robby Albarado, furiously wen into an all out drive for the finish. Curlin beat our Street Sense in what was called "one of the most thrilling Preakness finishes in years" by Sports Illustrated CNN (sportsillustrated.cnn.com).
The top three horses in the Preakness were the same three horses that were ahead in the Kentucky Derby.
In the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs,the top three horses were Street Sense, Hard Spun and Curlin.
In the Preakness, at Pimlico, the top three horses were Curlin, Street Sense and Hard Spun.
Tragically, another horse had to be euthanized on the track earlier in the day. Just two races before The Preakness, in the Dixie Stakes, another horse, Pacesetter - Mending Fences, broke down and had to be euthanized on the track due to his injury.
This tragedy was reminiscent to last year's tragedy, when Kentucky Derby winner, Barbaro, shattered his leg just seconds after the start of the race. Barbaro underwent several months of treatment, but was euthanized in January.
Barbaro is commemorated with the Barbaro Stakes. Barbaro's co-owners and trainer had a bittersweet reunion in the winner's circle. Chelokee, who was the favorite for that race won easily. the Inaugural Barbaro Stakes were presented by the Maryland State lottery and named in honor of the horse who came to be loved and admired by millions.
Curlin is owned by a group that includes Kendall-Jackson Wine owner Jess Jackson, Padua Stables, George Bolton and Midnight Cry Stables.
(Guest)