Two weeks after a wild finish at the Kentucky Derby, the 144th running of the Preakness Stakes got off to an unusual start.
Bodexpress bucked Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez just moments after racing out of the starting gate, dodged an outrider who tried to corral the riderless colt and ended up doing two laps around the Pimlico track.
“He wasn’t behaving well,” said Velazquez, who added he’s fine and would not seek medical attention. “When the doors opened, I was off right from the start and he kind of jumped sideways, and I had my feet out sideways and I lost my balance and went out.”
Velazquez has previously won two Kentucky Derby’s and two Belmont Stakes, but is now 0 for 9 in the Preakness.
War of Will, the horse most affected by Maximum Security’s interference at the Kentucky Derby, finished first in the Preakness. Everfast came in second and Owendale third.
Technically, Bodexpress gets a did-not-finish.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.