Pimlico Race Course was alive with excitement as the 50th running of the Chick Lang Stakes produced a commanding performance from a rising star. Retribution, a lightly raced three-year-old trained by Cherie DeVaux, showed both grit and maturity as he navigated a tough field to capture his first stakes title. His strong finish down the stretch was enough to seal the win by nearly two lengths.
The six-furlong sprint, held on Preakness Stakes Day, featured ten stakes races and drew a competitive group of sprinters. Despite his limited experience, Retribution handled the pressure with surprising poise. Irad Ortiz Jr., already victorious earlier in the day, guided the son of Vekoma perfectly from the outside gate. Showing early speed, the colt maneuvered into a stalking position before launching a powerful bid in the lane.
While other contenders such as One Nine Hundred and Ancient World vied for control early, it was Retribution who had the final say. As rivals faded or met traffic, Ortiz found just the right moment to let his mount surge between horses. The clock stopped at 1:11.27 on a fast track, confirming the colt’s readiness for bigger stages ahead.
Trainer Cherie DeVaux watched the race from Kentucky, having made the difficult decision to scratch last year’s Pimlico Special winner Pyrenees from Friday’s card. Her instincts about Retribution’s readiness for a step up in class proved spot-on, as the colt rewarded her confidence with a breakthrough win.
For Ortiz, it marked a back-to-back triumph in the Chick Lang Stakes, having also captured the 2024 edition aboard Frost Free. His rapport with young runners and tactical savvy once again stood out on one of racing’s biggest days.
Retribution’s ownership group, a collaboration of respected partnerships including Belladonna Racing and Woodford Racing, now has plenty to look forward to. With only three races under his belt, the colt’s upside remains significant. From a maiden win at Fair Grounds to placing at Keeneland, and now a stakes victory at Pimlico, his progression has been swift and impressive.
The Chick Lang Stakes, renamed in 2010 to honor the legendary “Mr. Preakness,” continues to be a proving ground for future sprint stars. With this win, Retribution firmly joins that legacy and raises expectations for his next start.
