Video: Preakness-winning Baffert talks day 'of twists and turns'

HRN Staff
Photo: Daniel Rankin / Special to HRN

Bob Baffert experienced the highs and lows of horse racing Saturday afternoon at Pimlico.

After the Baffert-trained Arabian Lion won the Sir Barton Stakes, his sprinter Havnameltdown suffered a fatal injury in the Grade 3 Chick Lang Stakes.

Several hours later, Baffert’s National Treasure fought off Blazing Sevens to win the Preakness Stakes. That victory under jockey John Velazquez gave the trainer a record eighth triumph in the Triple Crown’s middle jewel.

“This game, it’s a lot of twists and turns,” Baffert said following the Preakness Stakes. “You just have to deal with them. It’s a roller coaster. I just happened to be on the top end today.

“We went from good to bad but at the end of the day, I’m just proud of the horse. We just love this horse.”

In a video interview recorded by the Maryland Jockey Club, Baffert describes the emotions he experienced Saturday. The Hall of Fame trainer also discusses National Treasure’s development into a Preakness victor and his happiness that Velazquez scored a breakthrough win in this event.



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