Napoleon Solo Claims Victory in 151st Preakness Stakes
Prior to his victory in the 151st Preakness Stakes, Napoleon Solo had only briefly participated in what is often regarded as the premier event of horse racing’s Triple Crown. Despite finishing fifth in two previous races this year, the horse’s potential caught the attention of his team.
Following the Wood Memorial in April, jockey Paco Lopez alerted owner Al Gold and trainer Chad Summers to the horse’s untapped capability. “Paco urged Chad to push for this race,” Gold recounted. Initially hesitant, Gold did not believe that Napoleon Solo could handle the demanding 1 3/16-mile distance required at Laurel Park, the temporary host of the Preakness due to renovations at Pimlico.
Amid concerns about the horse’s stamina, both Gold and Summers feared whether he could maintain a competitive pace. Gold admitted they had been anxious in the days leading up to the race, questioning, “Will he go far? Can we relax?” However, Napoleon Solo surprised them by later clinching the Woodlawn Weese trophy along with several other accolades.
As pre-race favorite Taj Mahal led the 14-horse field into the final stretch, both Golden Tempo and Renegade withdrew from the competition. Napoleon Solo, with Lopez in the saddle, maneuvered strategically, seizing the lead as the main stand came into view. Iron Honor, another contender, attempted to overtake him but fell short, finishing comparatively distant from the winner.
Entering as a 7-1 shot, Napoleon Solo secured a remarkable victory, earning $1.2 million from the $2 million purse and establishing himself as a formidable contender in the Triple Crown series. “This year has been full of challenges, yet we stayed committed to our plan,” Summers stated after the race. “We faced critics, but our perseverance paid off.”
Summers’ journey in the horse racing industry began over a decade ago, involving numerous roles but notably excluding training. From offering pre-race warm-ups to working as a manager and a horse racing agent, he experimented with various aspects of the sport. In 2014, he became an owner, joining a group that invested in a horse called Mind Your Biscuit, which ultimately led him to becoming a trainer.
Despite a rocky start when Mind Your Biscuit lost his first five races, Summers eventually witnessed the horse’s triumphant performance in a high-stakes $2 million Dubai race. This turning point marked a significant moment in Summers’ career, alleviating his financial struggles. However, breaking through in a Triple Crown race remained elusive until Saturday’s event at Laurel Park.
Summers primarily trains in New York, where Napoleon Solo first emerged victorious last year. Even though the horse faced setbacks earlier this spring, the team noticed a continual enhancement in his performance. “His improvement has been impressive. He got better every day,” Summers remarked, reflecting on the horse’s trajectory leading up to the Preakness.
Lopez, riding his fifth race of the day, demonstrated exceptional skill, further solidifying his reputation with over 4,400 career wins. As Summers noted, the strength of the competition made victory even more precious: “It’s the jewel in the middle of the Triple Crown,” he said, highlighting the significance of the Woodlawn vase.
Following a momentous win, Summers resumed his role on the racecourse, preparing for subsequent races, showcasing his unwavering commitment to the sport. Napoleon Solo’s performance not only marked a personal victory but also highlighted the evolving narrative of perseverance and passion within horse racing.
