Title: The Preakness Stakes: A Historic Horse Racing Event on May 19

Introduction:

One of the most historic events that took place on May 19 is the running of the Preakness Stakes – a prestigious horse racing event in the United States. It exerts a profound influence on the world of equestrian sports by showcasing the prowess and vitality of three-year-old thoroughbreds. This event was first inaugurated on May 27, 1873, but we will specifically focus on the race that occurred on May 19, 2001, a dynamic turning point in the history of the Preakness Stakes.

Main Event:

On May 19, 2001, a bay-colored thoroughbred named Point Given galloped his way to victory in the Preakness Stakes held at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland (Thoroughbred Racing Records, 2001). Owned by Prince Ahmed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia and trained by Bob Baffert, this remarkable horse defeated a competitive field of rivals to claim the second jewel of the Triple Crown, a sequence of three major horse races.

Point Given’s size, strength, and closing speed made him a powerful contender. Despite a disappointing fifth-place finish in the Kentucky Derby held earlier that month, the horse was listed as the Preakness favorite. Rebounding from the Derby loss, Point Given aptly exhibited his talent on May 19, dashing from the gate and maintaining the lead till the race’s conclusion, winning by 2 1/4 lengths.

This success proved pivotal in Point Given’s career as it placed him back in the running for Horse of the Year honors. He went on to win the Belmont Stakes, the third jewel of the Triple Crown, making him the first horse since 1967 to win the Preakness and Belmont after losing the Kentucky Derby (Thoroughbred Racing Records, 2001). Point Given was unanimously voted 2001 Horse of the Year, solidifying his place in horse racing history.

Interesting Facts section (for kids):

– Horse races like the Preakness are all about speed. Thoroughbred horses can run up to 40 to 45 miles per hour!

– Point Given was nicknamed “The Big Red Train” due to his size and power.

– The Preakness Stakes is sometimes referred to as “The Run for the Black-Eyed Susans,” as the winning horse is draped in a blanket of these flowers.

Educational Activities (for kids):

– Create a three-dimensional diorama of a horse racetrack, including miniature horses, spectators, and a winners’ podium.

– Research different types of horses and create an informational poster charting their unique attributes.

– Write a short story about a horse preparing for a big race, focusing on the hard work and dedication it takes to achieve such a goal.

Conclusion:

The Preakness Stakes run on May 19, 2001, serves as an inspiring testament to resilience and the indomitable spirit present in both horse racing and life. Point Given’s incredible journey from defeat to triumph is a historic marker that adds to the vibrant tapestry of equestrian history. It teaches us that setbacks are just setups for comebacks, and each day, like every race, is a new opportunity to showcase our inherent abilities.

References:

– Thoroughbred Racing Records. (2001). Point Given, 2001 Horse of the Year.
– Baltimore Sun. (2001). Preakness Stakes: Point Given outruns the field.
– Equibase. (2001). Chart for the 126th Preakness Stakes.

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