José Ortiz wins the 147th edition of the Preakness Stakes
Photo: Patrick Smith/Getty Images
José Ortiz started from position five riding the exemplary Early Voting in the 147th edition of the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore. The Puerto Rican managed to claim victory in the event that was held this Saturday and where two other Puerto Rican riders were present such as Irad Ortiz and John Velázquez.
The victory of the Puerto Rican rider over Early Voting was over Epicenter, who initially started as the favorite to take the race. Ortiz’s victory left a total of $1.65 million dollars in prize money.
José Ortiz’s first victory in the Preakness Stakes
For José Ortiz this was his first victory in what represents the second leg of the Triple Crown of United States horse racing. It should be noted that in 2018 the Puerto Rican finished in fourth place over the Good Magic specimen.
Despite the efforts of the favorite horse, Epicenter, who tried to arrive with an insufficient final stride, Early Voting did not lose focus and obtained the long-awaited result for Puerto Rico and Latin American horse racing which adds another triumph after a few weeks ago the Venezuelan Sonny León won the Kentucky Derby.
It should be noted that the Venezuelan did not participate with Rich Strike, which implies that there will not be a triple crowned again for the fourth consecutive year. Feat achieved by only 13 horses.
However, there were nine horses that participated in the important fair, which remained very close until the moment in which Early Voting was able to take off and cross the finish line as the winner.
A dream come true
For José Ortiz the victory in the Preakness Stakes was a dream come truewhich is why he could not hold back his tears, moved and taking into account that his mother and father were waiting for the race and also his wife was present at the racetrack.
Speaking to Exacta Box, José Ortiz stressed that they had been preparing the horse so that it would not get used to running from end to end. In the same way, he revealed that the horse had only three races and just in his fourth competition he is already the winner of such an important event for American horse racing as the Preakness Stakes.
He further stated that he was able to take the horse where he wanted and felt very relaxed. With a satisfied face, the Puerto Rican described it as an incredible experience to have achieved such an important victory in his career.
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