Cloud Computing wins the Preakness Stakes! photo by Jim McCue/Maryland Jockey Club

As the starting gate opened for the 142nd running of the Preakness Stakes (G1), it was Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming and Classic Empire that shot out in front to take a side-by-side lead. The pair dueled it out in front for much of the race with Klaravich Stables and William H. Lawrence’s Cloud Computing, a 12-1 long shot, stalking the leaders in third at the half mile point but then dropping to fourth behind Term of Art at the 2/3 mile marker.

Classic Empire pulled ahead in the far turn and kept on running with Always Dreaming falling back. As the field came down the stretch, it looked like Classic Empire was going to take home the Woodlawn Vase until Cloud Computing surged ahead and pulled along side of Classic Empire. The pair were neck and neck until the wire where Cloud Computing won by a nose, giving trainer Chad Brown his first win in a Triple Crown race.

This was jockey Javier Castellano’s second Preakness win, his first coming aboard Bernardini in 2006. Just like Bernardini, Cloud Computing had skipped running in the Kentucky Derby.

A record crowd of 140,327 watched live at Pimlico. The day also posted an all-time record total handle of $97,168,658.

To watch a clip of the thrilling Preakness finish, go to The Equiery’s Facebook page. More photos from Preakness week will be posted soon!