Owners Zayat Stable, trainer Bob Baffert and jockey Victor Espinoza, the human connections of Triple Crown winner and Horse of the Year American Pharoah (Pioneerof the Nile) will be honored with the Preakness Special Award of Merit to be awarded at the annual Alibi Breakfast at Pimlico Race Course Thursday, May 19.
“We're honored and thrilled to be recognized with this honor by the Maryland Jockey Club,” said Justin Zayat, racing manager of Zayat Stables. “The Preakness has always been so special to us. You're treated so well and the people there are great. American Pharoah's performance in that race was so memorable. We really love Maryland and the Preakness and we can't wait to come back.”
Sal Sinatra, President and General Manager of the Maryland Jockey Club, said, “American Pharoah's victory in the 2015 Preakness was not only one of the most memorable in the 140-year history of the race, but American Pharoah's connections were incredible. They were extremely accommodating to everyone and were engaged with the fans before the arrived on the grounds through social media. They're love of racing and devotion to the sport is extraordinary.”
The Alibi Breakfast, which began in the 1930s on the porch of the historic Pimlico Clubhouse, features a gathering of media, owners, trainers, jockeys and horsemen to celebrate the Preakness, and solicit interesting race predictions.
Seats for the Alibi Breakfast are available by contacting Jessica Schisler at Jessica.Schisler@marylandracing.com.
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