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National Treasure helps Bob Baffert earn course record amid tragic day at Preakness
National Treasure won the 148th running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course on Saturday, offering a silver lining to an otherwise tragic day at the track.
With National Treasure's victory, Bob Baffert became the winningest trainer at the Preakness, earning his eighth title and first since 2018. It's also the first Preakness win for Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez.
Watch back the full 148th running of the Preakness Stakes! #Preakness148 pic.twitter.com/AaPb4L3GFE
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) May 20, 2023
Baffert's victory is bittersweet, as it comes hours after losing one of his other horses.
During the sixth race of the Preakness undercard, Havnameltdown, a Baffert-trained horse, was euthanized after suffering an inoperable injury to its left leg. The three-year-old colt was the favorite in its race but stumbled ahead of the final turn, throwing jockey Luis Saez.
After the Preakness, a tearful Baffert told NBC Sports he was "whacked out" following the injury to Havnameltdown.
"Losing that horse today really hurt, but I'm happy for Johnny, he got the win," Baffert said. "I have a great team. I have my boys with me. It's been a very emotional day."
For Baffert, National Treasure's win was his first at the Preakness since returning from a medication suspension in 2021, which forced him to miss last year's race.
Saturday's result also ended the Triple Crown hopes for Kentucky Derby winner Mage, who came in third behind second-place finisher Blazing Sevens.
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