No. 2 Preakness Moment: The Mugging, 1980

No one died, but the term "mugging" was thrown around so often after the 1980 Preakness that you'd think the race had been run in Central Park. After her victory in the Kentucky Derby, Genuine Risk was the toast of the sports world. In the Preakness, she was running her race again, at least until she ranged up alongside the Santa Anita and Hollywood Derby winner Codex, ridden by Angel Cordero.

As Codex rounded the final turn, Cordero glanced right and saw Genuine Risk and her rider, Jacinto Vasquez, coming fast. At that point Angel allowed his colt to straighten the turn and float to the right, packing the filly along for the ride. When they finally straightened for the run to the wire, Codex spurted clear. The filly pursued, but the race was over. Almost. After the Pimlico stewards dismissed a claim of foul from Vasquez and declared the race official, the issue ended up in front of the Maryland Racing Commission.

On June 4, 18 days after the race was run, the commission ruled the victory of Codex would stand. NEXT >>

Jay Hovdey's Top 10 Preakness Moments

10. The Fairy Tale, 1971 (Canonero)
9. The Duel II, 1989 (Sunday Silence)
8. The Thriller, 1997 (Silver Charm)
7. The Duel, 1978 (Affirmed)
6. The Rumble, 1962 (Greek Money)
5. The Stumble, 2005 (Afleet Alex)
4. The Tragedy, 2006 (Bernardini)
3. The Filly, 2009 (Rachel Alexandra)
2. The Mugging, 1980 (Codex)
1. The Move, 1973 (Secretariat)