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BALTIMORE – Although 50 years have passed, Gustavo Avila can readily recall his ride of a lifetime aboard Canonero II in the 1971 Preakness Stakes (G1) at Pimlico Race Course, just two weeks after the Venezuelan visitors shocked the world by pulling off an unimaginable upset victory in the Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs.
The retired 83-year-old jockey, who resides in Miami with his family, came to Pimlico “a bit uncomfortable” and preparing for a race that would test Canonero II’s speed as well as his stamina.
“One thing was certain,” the Venezuelan Hall of Fame jockey said, “this was going to be a violent race because of how fast it would be.”
Avila and his Kentucky-bred Venezuelan invader, who rallied from 18th to win the Kentucky Derby by 3 ¾ lengths, proved to be well-prepared to withstand a thrilling speed duel that developed with Eastern Fleet, winning by 1 ½ lengths and proving that his thrilling upset victory at Churchill Downs was hardly the fluke many had written it off to be.
Claudia Spadaro of Gulfstream Park and HipicaTV sat down and spoke to Avila just a week ago.
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Video in Spanish: Click here to view