Mexican jockey wins the Preakness Stakes

American Pharoah has a chance to win the Triple Crown after comfortably winning Saturday's 140th Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course in Maryland.

Ridden by Víctor Espinoza, American Pharoah followed up his victory in the Kentucky Derby with a win by more than five lengths in pouring rain.

A torrential downpour hit Pimlico just before the start of the race and turned the sandy course into a muddy mess.

The colt now needs to win the Belmont Stakes on June 6 to become the first horse in 37 years to complete the elusive Triple Crown.

For Mexican jockey Espinoza it will be another chance to win the Triple Crown. He rode California Chrome to victory in the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness last year before losing in the Belmont.

The 4-5 favourite pulled clear just before turning into the stretch and the outcome was never in doubt from then on.

Tale of Verve was second and Divining Rod finished third.

"He broke a little slow and I pushed him to go to front and as soon as I take the lead, that was it," said Espinoza.

"He was very comfortable cruising around at high speed."

The win was the sixth Preakness triumph for trainer Bob Baffert, who was delighted with his horse.

"Just an incredible horse, what he does is amazing. American Pharoah from day one people were expecting this and with the weather I was getting a little leery but great horses do great things and he showed it today," Baffert said.