Bob Baffert, the famous horse trainer Bob Baffert, was deeply upset after his horse was euthanized on the same day that another won the Preakness Stakes. Baffert told the Associated Press that the day perfectly reflected all the twists of the sport.
National Treasure won the Preakness Stakes
National Treasure was the horse that won this event. Baffert was suspended for two years. The horse’s participation in this event occurred after the suspension had expired. The trainer had been suspended following the 2021 Kentucky Derby after one of his horses Medina Spirit tested positive for a drug that was not permitted during race day.
National Treasure, a horse owned by Baffert, won the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore on Saturday. This effectively snuffed out Mage’s chances of achieving a Triple Crown. Baffert’s record-breaking eighth Preakness win came in the $1.65m race.
National Treasure’s win was the first Preakness victory for jockey John Velazquez. The rider praised his horse’s outstanding performance.
The winner horse was paid $7.80 for winning, $4.40 to place, and $2.60 for showing. The Kentucky Derby champion Mage was considered the favorite to win, but he ended up coming in third.
The Trainer was upset by the passing of Havnameltdown
Baffert was saddened by the death of another horse, despite the fact that National Treasure had won.
Baffert’s Havnameltdown a three-year old colt injured his left leg during a race undercard just hours before the Preakness Stakes. Baffert was very disappointed that the horse, due to its injury, had to be put down.
The trainer admitted that he was hurt by the injury. He couldn’t enjoy National Treasure winning.
The only bright spot is that Luis Saez Havnameltdown’s jockey did not appear to be badly injured. Despite being rushed to hospital immediately, X-rays did not reveal any serious injuries.
Baffert could not get Havnameltdown off his mind all day. He said that the incident had really affected them.
The number of US horse racing fatalities is at its lowest since tracking began in 2009. A series of recent incidents have once again brought to light the dangers associated with the sport, and the need for more action to be taken to prevent deaths on the track.
Next Monday, the horseracing authorities will introduce new rules regarding doping and medication.
