Video: Maryland-based jockeys get rare turn in Preakness spotlight

With the COVID-19 pandemic causing problems across the horse racing world, some well-known jockeys will not be be racing in this year’s Preakness. However, for some local talent, the disruptions have turned into opportunity.

Local jockeys Sheldon Russell (Excession),  Trevor McCarthy (Liveyourbeastlife) and Jevian Toledo (Jesus’ Team) will be in the race. This will be just the second Preakness mount for all three riders. Russell was 10th in 2011 aboard Concealed Identity, Toledo was ninth in 2016 on Awesome Speed, while McCarthy finished eighth in 2015 aboard Bodhisattva.

“It’s the biggest race we have here in Maryland,” Russell said. “And just to be involved in the day itself is a good feeling being a jockey.”

Check out more from the jockeys below.