National Treasure's Preakness Win Spoils Mage's Triple Crown Hopes

BALTIMORE, MD — Trainer Bob Baffert came back to horse racing victorious on Saturday when his horse National Treasure won the 148th Preakness Stakes, dashing hopes for a Triple Crown win this year.

National Treasure did not compete in the 149th Kentucky Derby held May 6. Baffert is still under suspension at Churchill Downs after Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit's failed a drug test and had not participated in the Preakness Stakes since 2021.

National Treasure outpaced the field of seven horses and foiled the Triple Crown hopes of Kentucky Derby winner Mage. National Treasure was able to beat the number seven horse Blazing Sevens by a neck, with Mage close behind in third place. In just under two minutes National Treasure stormed the mile and three-sixteenths track to claim the $1.65 million purse.

After riding in the race 13 times, jockey John Velazquez celebrated his first Preakness win and was proud of his horse, "He put up a really good fight. ... That’s what champions do.” National Treasure was presented with a flower garland of Black-eyed Susans, the Woodlawn Vase, and the weathervane at Pimlico was painted to represent the owner's silks.

See photos of some of the best moment from the 148th Preakness Stakes and the Woodlawn Vase trophy at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland below.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.