National Treasure, ridden by John Velazquez and trained by Bob Baffert, won the 148th running of the Preakness Stakes on a warm but overcast day in Baltimore on Saturday.
Blazing Sevens finished second, and the Derby winner Mage finished third.
National Treasure defeated six other contenders in what was seen as a weak field, especially after First Mission, at 5-2 in the morning line, was scratched. Mage was a 7-5 favorite, and National Treasure, at 5-2, was the primary alternative.
Before the excitement on the racetrack, there was an air of drama and solemnity surrounding the race.