International Press Coverage of the Preakness

International reporters Emanuel Aguilar M. (Chile) and Frank Pineda (Peru) pose with photographer Juan Gamboa (Peru) in the media room at Laurel Park for the 151st Preakness. (Photo: Angie Kozlowski)

Spanish-speaking horse racing fans made up much of the worldwide audience for the 151st Preakness, turning to social media and other outlets for live updates. In the media room at Laurel Park, members of the international press worked alongside American counterparts from print and on-line outlets. Among them was Chilean reporter Emanuel Aguilar M., who covered the two days of racing for America’s Best Racing by providing live, Spanish-language coverage. 

Aguilar talked to several jockeys, trainers, and a local jockey valet during the lead-up to the Preakness. Most of his interview subjects greeted and wished the Spanish-speaking viewers well. Two of those who offered a brief hello to the viewers were jockeys Irad and Jose Ortiz. The now-famous Ortiz brothers had busy days of racing and had won several races but were not available for lengthy interviews.

Aguilar interviewed another jockey, Uruguayan Carlos Lopez, who had taken the spotlight in an unfortunate way the day before—Black-Eyed Susan Day. Lopez was injured in a two-horse collision on the homestretch of an early race, in which both horses and jockeys ended up on the turf. The jockeys were attended to by medical personnel but were able to walk off the track on their own. The horses were both up on their own feet quickly and were deemed fine by racing officials. Lopez described his injuries as a broken rib and a broken collarbone that his doctor said would take four weeks to heal. He thanked all his fans in Uruguay, Chile, and all over for their best wishes, which he had received via his social media.

Aguilar also spoke to Pedro Velez, an exercise rider for Corona de Oro, who said that he enjoyed being in Laurel Park for the races, and that Maryland was treating him very well. He said with a chuckle, “There is a lot of food.” He added that his horse traveled well and had been improving every day. Running as a longshot, Corona de Oro finished 11th in the Preakness.

Peruvian reporter Juan Gamboa of Derby Race Horses Peru, assisted by photographer Frank Pinedo, provided his audience with a comprehensive video that included short interviews with the Ortiz brothers; a sweeping video of fans lined up along the fence watching the races and waving to the Peruvian audience for the camera; a photo montage of people and views from Laurel Park; and an on-the-spot interview of Preakness Stakes-winning jockey Paco Lopez as he walked toward the Paddock after his big win on Napoleon Solo. Later, Gamboa wrote an article about the Preakness victory for his outlet’s blog.

Both Aguilar and Gamboa mentioned they would be traveling to New York for the Belmont Stakes.

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Angie Latham Kozlowski is a staff writer and member of the Board of Directors for the Laurel History Boys. In addition to her investigative reporting, her articles frequently spotlight Howard County.