Horsing Around: Riderless Colt Races to Preakness Finish

Unencumbered by a jockey and suddenly free to run wherever he darn pleased, Bodexpress decided to take a shot at winning the Preakness.

Jockey John Velazquez falls off Bodexpress (9) as the field breaks from the starting gate in the 144th Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, on May 18, 2019. John McDonnell/The Washington Post via AP

BALTIMORE—Unencumbered by a jockey and suddenly free to run wherever he darn well pleased, Bodexpress decided to take a shot at winning the Preakness.

Taking one of the most memorable trips in the 149-year history of Pimlico Race Course, Bodexpress followed the leaders without a rider on board and at one point appeared to be a contender in the 13-horse race.