May 20 (UPI) -- May 20 (UPI) -- National Treasure led from gate to wire in Saturday's $1.5 million Preakness Stakes, won a tight stretch battle and denied Kentucky Derby winner Mage, who finished third, a chance at winning the Triple Crown.
The victory capped a day of highs and lows for winning trainer Bob Baffert, who saw another of his horses, Havnameltdown, fatally injured earlier in the program at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.
"It's twists and turns, ups and downs," Baffert said. Normally taciturn, he choked up momentarily in the winner's circle, saying, "We've been totally wiped out after that horse got hurt. It's been a very emotional day."
Nonetheless, Baffert and the large ownership team celebrated a victory well-crafted by National Treasure's jockey, John Velazquez.
Horse trained by Bob Baffert euthanized after fall in Preakness undercard