The world of horse racing was rocked by tragedy on May 15, 2021, when a horse named Medina Spirit, trained by Bob Baffert, tested positive for a banned substance after winning the Kentucky Derby. The controversy surrounding Medina Spirit’s victory overshadowed the upcoming Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown, which was set to take place just two weeks later.
However, on May 15, another horse from Baffert’s stable, a three-year-old colt named Concert Tour, was euthanized due to a leg injury sustained during a workout. The loss of Concert Tour was a devastating blow to Baffert and his team, but they soldiered on and entered another horse in the Preakness: National Treasure.
National Treasure had already proven himself to be a talented runner, with two wins and a second-place finish in his three career starts. However, he was considered a longshot in the Preakness, with odds of 12-1. The favorite was Medina Spirit, who was still allowed to race despite the ongoing controversy.
Despite the odds against him, National Treasure ran a spectacular race. Jockey Luis Saez kept him near the front of the pack throughout the race, and he surged ahead in the final stretch to win by a comfortable margin. It was a thrilling victory for Baffert and his team, who had overcome so much adversity in the lead-up to the race.
In the aftermath of the Preakness, there has been much discussion about the future of horse racing and the need for stricter regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals. The death of Concert Tour was a tragic reminder of the risks involved in this sport, and many are calling for changes to be made to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Despite these concerns, National Treasure’s victory in the Preakness was a bright spot in an otherwise difficult time for the horse racing community. It was a testament to the skill and dedication of Baffert and his team, as well as the talent and heart of the horse himself. National Treasure may have been a longshot, but he proved that anything is possible in the world of horse racing.
