Oxbow was feeling good the day before giving trainer Wayne Lukas (on pony) a record 14th Triple Crown race win (Jessie Holmes/EquiSport Photos)

"It's always fun to win one of those and it's what we all get up for and try to achieve," said Lukas, who will turn 78 on September 2. "It validated my belief in the horse, too. I always thought he had an unfortunate spring with the way he kept drawing and getting parked outside. To see it all come full cycle, especially with Gary (Stevens) in the irons, it was really gratifying."

Oxbow's victory in the Preakness provided Lukas with a record 14th Triple Crown win, snapping a tie with "Sunny" Jim Fitzsimmons. Lukas scored his 13th Triple Crown win in the 2000 Belmont with Commendable, who won at odds of nearly 19-1.

"I never dwelt on the record too much," Lukas said. "I think the most significant thing for me was to be in the same company with Sunny Fitzsimmons. I found it interesting that he won his last (Triple Crown race) at 82. He meant so much to the industry, so to be with him all those years was enough for me.

"I think I enjoyed it every bit as much as my first and maybe more. It stirred up a lot of old relationships and friendships. I got hundreds of voicemails and texts. It's special to have so many people come forward. There were a lot of people pulling for us."