Jockey Jesus Castanon enjoyed the ride of his life as he rode his mount, Shackleford, to victory during the Preakness at Pimlico Race Course in front of Animal Kingdom and Astrology.
All smiles as he rode into the winner's circle waving to family and friends, Castanon, who has been a jockey since he was 16 and is now 38, had the big win of his life as he held off favorite, Animal Kingdom.
His communication with Shackleford during the race gave him great confidence. According to Castanon, Shackleford seemed to get bigger and stronger as the race went on. By the time they reached the wire, Castanon said that he felt the presence of his father who died last November of kidney disease.
Shackleford is named after an island along the North Carolina Coast, known for its feral horses. Said to be descendants of shipwreck survivors who landed on Shackleford Banks, visitors are warned to stay away from them because they will bite.