In a thrilling display of speed and endurance, Seize the Grey clinched victory in the 2024 Preakness Stakes with a time of 1:56.82. This remarkable win not only showcased the Colts athletic prowess but also marked a significant milestone for the legendary trainer D. Wayne Lukas.
Seize the Grey’s triumph at Pimlico was hard-fought, holding off a powerful late surge from Mystik Dan, the Kentucky Derby winner. As the field turned for home, it was a two-horse race with Mystik Dan making a strong push from behind, with Catching Freedom in third trying to catch them both. However Seize the Grey, demonstrating exceptional stamina and determination, maintained the lead to cross the finish line first.
The victory was particularly poignant for Lukas, who at 88 years old, became the oldest trainer to win a Triple Crown race. This win adds to his illustrious career, bringing his total number of Preakness Stakes victories to seven. With this achievement, Lukas ties with Robert Wyndham Walden for second place on the all-time list of Preakness winning trainers, a record that stood for over a century.
Seize the Grey’s win not only highlights Lukas’s enduring talent as a trainer but also cements the colt’s status as a rising star in the racing world. The partnership between horse and trainer, built on experience and mutual respect, proved to be a winning combination.
As fans and industry insiders celebrated this memorable Preakness Stakes, the focus now shifts to the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga, where Seize the Grey will have the opportunity to further establish his legacy and potentially continue Lukas’s remarkable journey in the sport. In an era where youth often dominants, D. Wayne Lukas’s achievement serves as a powerful reminder of the value of experience and perseverance. His record setting win at the Preakness Stakes will be remembered as a historic moment in horse racing, inspiring future generations of trainers and fans alike.
