On Saturday afternoon, Swiss Skydiver became just the sixth filly – and first since 2009 – to win the Preakness Stakes. Just by starting, she also became the first filly to run the race since 2014.
Ridden by jockey Robby Albarado, Swiss Skydiver held off Kentucky Derby winner Authentic to cross the line first in a photo finish.
A quick primer for the non-horse people out there: The Triple Crown races are run by three-year-old horses. “Filly” is the term used to describe young female horses. The majority of horses that have historically run the Triple Crown races are “colts” (uncastrated male horses).
Swiss Skydiver is just the 12th filly to ever win a Triple Crown race. (Of these 12 winning fillies, seven won prior to 1925.)
SHE BEAT THE BOYS!
It’s only right the final jewel of the Triple Crown ends in dramatic fashion.
Swiss Skydiver, the only filly in the race, WINS the @PreaknessStakes. pic.twitter.com/73SZJwHOHZ— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) October 3, 2020
Swiss Skydiver had a busy season, starting more races than any other horse in the field. The Preakness marked her ninth race (at her ninth track) in 2020.
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