2023 Preakness Stakes: Will Mages Go for the Triple Crown?

BALTIMORE — The venue for Saturday’s Preakness Stakes was as darkened by death as it was for the Kentucky Derby two weeks ago. Injured horse euthanized Another big Triple Crown day was ruined during the undercard race at Pimlico. A Sport Already Confused After more than six deaths at Churchill Downs Racecourse.

As the three-year-old Havna Meltdown was trained, black fences were erected on the dirt track to protect the eyes of spectators who could hear them gasping. Hall of Famer Bob Baffert returns from suspension – Euthanized due to what the veterinary team called an “inoperable” left front leg injury. All the while, 2Pac’s “California Love” blared from the infield speakers and what was meant to be an all-day celebration of the annual thoroughbred race.

A gruesome scene unfolded just over five hours ago, with jockey Luis Saez being carried on a stretcher to an ambulance and taken to hospital. Derby Champion Mage He was scheduled to compete in Preakness aiming for the Triple Crown. Baffert’s horse, National Treasure, was considered the greatest challenger to mages in the unusually small number of seven.

Baffert said he and his team were devastated by Havna Meltdown’s death.

“This is a shock to everyone in our barn who love and care for these horses every day.” Posted by Baffert on Twitter. “The Hanva Meltdown was clearly hit quite hard as we exited the gate. We don’t know if that contributed to the injuries, but we are completely transparent to those investigating this horrific accident.” I’m going to keep my sex.”

Seven horses died in 10 days at Churchill Downs in the run-up to the Derby in late April and early May, and an investigation is underway at Louisville to determine the cause of the recent eight fatalities. be.

Racing fatalities in the U.S. are at their lowest level since tracking began in 2009, but one more fatality at a Triple Crown racetrack would trigger increased scrutiny both inside and outside the industry. will be strengthened. Officials said they accepted the reality of horse deaths on racetracks, but also acknowledged that more needs to be done to prevent as many horses as possible.

In that vein, new national medication and doping rules are due to come into force on Monday. The federally mandated Bureau of Horseracing Fairness and Safety, which already regulates racetrack safety and other measures, Oversee drug testing requirements for horses It needs to standardize this sport nationally.

Before that, Mage has a chance to become the first horse since Baffert’s horse to enter the Belmont Stakes with a chance at the Triple Crown with a Preakness victory. Justify in 2018.

Baffert is running a horse at Preakness weekend for the first time in two years after returning from a drug ban for 2021 Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit. The trainer has missed the last two Derby races as part of Churchill Downs’ decision.

Also, related to Kentucky’s 90-day ban, which Maryland and New York are complying with, Preakness and Belmont were unable to keep owned horses last year.