The race was delayed for about fifteen minutes after Imperialism threw a shoe in the walk-over from the barns. Preakness officials allowed Imperialism to take a quick trip to the track farrier before the start of the race. Then there was another delay when the 10 horse, Rock Hard Ten, refused to enter the gate. Jockey Gary Stevens even had to dismount before starters physically forced Rock Hard Ten into the gate. And then they were off.
Smarty Jones, who went off as the 3-5 favorite, had a clean break from the gate. Just like at the Derby, Lion Heart took the early lead and held it through the back stretch. As the field rounded the final turn, it appeared that it would be a two horse race. But in reality, it was a one horse race. At the top of the stretch, Smarty Jones put on the afterburners and blew the field away. When Smarty crossed the finish line, the Pennsylvania colt had won the Preakness Stakes by nearly 12 lengths -- the largest margin of victory ever at the Preakness.
(AP Photo/Matt Houston)
And when the day was done, Smarty celebrated and America rejoiced.
(AP Photo/Al Behrman) 
(AP Photo/Nick Wass) 
(AP Photo)
Smarty Jones' record is now a perfect 8-0. Smarty will try to complete the Triple Crown in two weeks at Belmont park. If Smarty wins the Belmont Stakes, Smarty will be the first horse to win the Triple Crown since Affirmed did it more than 25 years ago. Smarty would also become the richest horse in history.
