On a day that celebrated the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes, one of the most electrifying moments came in the $125,000 Jim McKay Turf Sprint. Witty, a seasoned 6-year-old gelding with a growing list of stakes wins on both turf and dirt, put on a dazzling display of late speed that left racegoers at Pimlico Race Course stunned. The veteran competitor, owned by Qatar Racing, Marc Detampel, and Elizabeth Merryman, stormed from the back of the pack to clinch victory in dramatic fashion.
Competing in a fast-paced five-furlong sprint, Witty dropped to the rear early as longshot Honeyquist set a blistering opening pace. While many might have doubted Witty’s chances at that point, his rider, Flavien Prat, remained composed. Navigating through a crowded field, Prat found daylight near the eighth pole and asked his mount for more. The response was instant—and emphatic.
As Witty accelerated, the frontrunners began to fade. With a burst of speed that only seasoned turf sprinters can muster, he charged past his rivals, crossing the wire more than three lengths ahead in a final time of 59.61 seconds. The win marked his second victory at Pimlico, having previously claimed the Ben’s Cat Stakes in 2023.
The win was a special birthday gift for Merryman, who not only bred and trains Witty but also celebrated her 61st birthday on the day of the race. It was a moment of emotional resonance, highlighting the dedication and passion she has brought to her horses and the Mid-Atlantic racing circuit.
Witty has made a name for himself in turf sprints, and this performance added to his résumé of stakes wins that includes the Maryland Million Turf Sprint and the Leatherbury Stakes. He also has a proven record on dirt, with victories in the Pennsylvania Nursery and Spectacular Bid. His pedigree is notable, too—he is a half-brother to Caravel, a Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint winner.
A year ago, Witty finished runner-up in this same event. That evening, over dinner, an impromptu conversation led to Qatar Racing buying into the horse. Marc Detampel soon followed as a co-owner. The result of that partnership was on full display at Pimlico, showcasing how a shared belief in a horse’s potential can lead to unforgettable moments.
The race also serves as a tribute to Jim McKay, the late broadcaster who was a driving force in elevating Maryland racing to the national stage. The sprint named in his honor continues to be a cornerstone of the Preakness undercard, and Witty’s stirring performance added a fresh chapter to its legacy.
