— Shackleford won the Preakness on Saturday, holding off a late charge from Animal Kingdom to win as a 12-1 underdog.
The victory was redemption for Shackleford, who finished fourth behind Kentucky Derby-winner Animal Kingdom after leading for much of that race.
It also meant there would be no Triple Crown try at the Belmont Stakes in three weeks.
In the Preakness, Shackleford battled for the lead from the outset. He trailed Flashpoint in the early going, then took the lead and wouldn’t relinquish it despite a hard charge from Animal Kingdom. Ridden by Jesus Lopez Castanon and trained by Dale Romans, Shackleford won by three-quarters of a length in 1:56.21. Castanon has never before won a Triple Crown race or even Breeders’ Cup race. His father was a trainer in Mexico.
Animal Kingdom was the morning-line 2-1 favorite at Pimlico and was bidding to become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978. The colt came from well behind to make a charge, but appeared to make the move too late. He paid $4.20 and $3.60. Astrology took third and paid $8.00. Dialed In finished fourth, followed by Dance City, Mucho Macho Man, King Congie, Mr. Commons, Isn’t He Perfect, Concealed Identity, Norman Asbjornson, Sway Away, Midnight Interlude and Flashpoint.
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