Down to the wire – 25 times (from 136 runnings) in the Preakness has the winner gotten the job done by a neck, or less.
Among those who hit the wire in the nick of time were such racing greats as Triple Crown winners War Admiral, Assault and Affirmed; Kentucky Derby winners Burgoo King, Bold Venture, Majestic Prince, Sunday Silence and Silver Charm; and the gray ghost, Native Dancer.
Witnesses to dramatic finishes are left exhausted and exhilarated?–?who can forget the battle between Sunday Silence and Easy Goer. . . the three-horse finish with Silver Charm, Free House and fast-closing Captain Bodgit. . . the mighty Curlin fighting to catch Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense in the final strides?
One of the most exciting, and controversial, finishes came 50 years ago, between Greek Money and Ridan (see story on page 20 of our May issue). Click here for our May issue photo spread for 15 additional Preakness finishes to savor, with the photo-finish camera needed to determine the outcome.