Thoroughbred Racing Fan Association, Inc.
Thoroughbred Racing Fan Association, Inc.
WHAT HORSE HOLDS THE CURRENT RECORD FOR WINNING THE PREAKNESS STAKES (GI) BY THE LARGEST MARGIN?
10/1/2020
When we think of an impressive Triple Crown race our mind goes directly to Secretariat’s Belmont Stakes which he won by 31 lengths which earned him the Triple Crown in 1973. Although he set the record for the Preakness Stakes three weeks early at 1:53, there was controversy of the actual time. Pimlico clockers had the time at 1:54 3/4. The Daily Racing Form clockers had his time at 1:53 2/5. A video review validated the error, but the change in the time was not recorded. After years of discussion, in 2012 the Maryland Jockey Club concluded that Secretariat’s time should have been 1:53 which set the official record. In 2004 Smarty Jones after winning the Kentucky Derby won the Preakness Stakes in 1:55.59, did so by winning the race over Rock Hard Ten by 11 ½ lengths. Smarty Jones holds the record for winning that race by the largest margin.