The heavens opered but American Pharoah stayed strong to win the 140th Preakness Stakes in Maryland, and stay on course for the Triple Crown.
The track was sodden in the run-up to the race after a thunderstorm passed overhead in the minutes before the horses lined up for the start. And despite the track turning to mud, the race still went ahead.
American Pharoah got off to a good start, taking the lead in the early stages with Firing Line, considered to be his main rival, soon eight lengths behind.
It was a lead that American Pharoah was not to relinquish, winning by five lengths.
Victor Espinoza had already ridden American Pharoah to victory in the Kentucky Derby earlier this month, meaning the pair are now just two races from the Triple Crown.
