Seize the Grey, with a time of 1:56.82, took the 2024 Preakness Stakes, holding off a late charge from Kentucky Derby champion Mystik Dan. While the win was significant for the horse, it was perhaps even more special for the trainer, D. Wayne Lukas.
Lukas Makes History
With this victory, Lukas secured his seventh Preakness win, tying Robert Wyndham Walden for the second-most Preakness wins of all time. At 88 years old, Lukas also became the oldest trainer to win a Triple Crown race, solidifying his legendary status in the sport.
In a post-race interview with NBC Sports, Lukas expressed his continued passion for the sport: “It never gets old at this level…I love the competition.” He even joked that his peers might be hoping he’ll retire, stating, “I think they’re trying to get rid of me. I think they want me to retire. That’ll never happen.”
Mystik Dan’s Bid Falls Short
Despite a valiant effort and a thrilling finish, Mystik Dan’s hopes for a Triple Crown were dashed at Pimlico. Trainer Kenny McPeek, though disappointed, showed sportsmanship, expressing his admiration for Lukas. “Wayne’s a great guy… If I’m gonna get beat, it’s fine to get beat by him.”
Preakness Stakes Results
- Seize the Grey
- Mystik Dan
- Catching Freedom
- Tuscan Gold
- Just Steel
- Uncle Heavy
- Imagination
- Mugatu
Image by Maryland GovPics, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
