American Pharoah Win Preakness Stakes in Driving Rain, Keeps Triple Crown Bid Alive

Story by the Associated Press; curated by Dave Urbanski

BALTIMORE (AP) — American Pharoah has won the Preakness in a driving rain, keeping alive his Triple Crown bid.

American Pharoah crosses the finish line first at the 2015 Preakness Stakes. (Image source: YouTube)

With victories in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, American Pharoah needs a win in the Belmont Stakes to become the sport's first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978.

American Pharoah will bring a six-race winning streak into the Belmont, which will be run on June 6 in New York.

Trained by Bob Baffert, American Pharoah was a heavy favorite in the Preakness despite starting from the unfavorable No. 1 post.

American Pharoah #1 ridden by Victor Espinoza crosses the finish line to win the 140th running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course on May 16, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Image source: Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Breaking fast on a sloppy track Saturday as thunder roared in the background, American Pharoah took control early and won easily.

Jockey Victor Espinoza rode American Pharoah. A year ago, Espinoza won the Derby and Preakness aboard California Chrome before losing in the Belmont.

This story has been updated.

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