134th Preakness Stakes

The final result

Blood-Horse Cover Image: Jeffrey Snyder 2009

Nikon D3, Nikkor 600mm f4 AFS, Lexar 300x 8GB Media

Rachel Alexandra with jockey Calvin Borel

Above: Nikon D3, 600mm f4, Lexar Digital Media

(l-r) Owner Jess Jackson, Jockey Calvin Borel, Trainer Steve Asmussen

A bit of history took place at the Preakness Stakes on Saturday. Rachel Alexandra with Calvin Borel aboard was the fifth filly to win the middle jewel of the Triple Crown, the first since Nellie Morse in 1924...Yes, 1924, 85 years ago.
Pimlico Race track, a Maryland institution was the setting, with just over 85,000 in attendance, down by about 20,000. This was the 1st year that Preakness officials new rule went into effect, attendees could no longer bring in their own Beer. Where the infield was once wall to wall people partying the day away, this year you could see the grass field sparsley populated.
I was shooting on the Blood-Horse crew, my position was in the 1st turn, shooting head on with a 600mm lens as the horses headed directly at me. Always great to work with my friends Anne, Skip, Rick, Dave as well as Jerry and the infamous Jimmy McCue of the MD Jockey Club. A BIG thank you shout out to Tom Quinn for assisting me this year.
Calvin Borel rode Rachel Alexandra into the eyes of Horse Racing history.....From the Start to the Finish line to the Winners Circle.