The Preakness

If you love to see a strong female take on the boys, if you think fillies should be given every chance to compete with studs, if you despise sleazy efforts by rich men to keep girls off the field, we have a heroine for you.

Her name is Rachel Alexandra and she's beautiful, fast and young. Oh, and she's a racehorse. -Rick Reilly

Rachel Alexandra, the lone filly in the field, was a history-making winner of the 134th Preakness Stakes on Saturday at Pimlico. Before a crowd that cheered her lustily both before and after the race, Rachel Alexandra became the first filly to win the Preakness since 1924 and became the first horse to win both the Kentucky Oaks and then the Preakness.

To do it, she had to outrun 12 males, including the Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird, who closed furiously from last to finish second, beaten by one length.

Mine That Bird's loss means that the elusive Triple Crown will go unclaimed yet again. Affirmed, in 1978, was the last horse to win the Derby, Preakness, and Belmont Stakes. The 31-year drought is the longest ever, since Sir Barton won the first Triple Crown in 1919.

Now all we have to do it wait three weeks for the final leg in the Triple Crown- The Belmont- and see see if the filly can yet again find victory over the colts, or if Mine That Bird can once more shine in the national spotlight, proving in three straight races, he certainly was not a fluke of a winner at the Derby.

Thanks to Ashlee and Drew for inviting us over for dinner and to watch the race. We had so much fun, I forgot to take any pictures- and that NEVER happens!