Preakness Stakes

What Is Preakness Stakes?

The Preakness Stakes is a highly regarded Grade I thoroughbred horse race held annually in the United States. It takes place at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, and is a significant event in American sporting culture. The race is contested over a distance of 1 3/16 miles (1,900 metres) on a dirt track.

Known as “The Run for the Black-Eyed Susans” or “The Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown,” the Preakness Stakes is the second leg of the American Triple Crown series. This series comprises three races for three-year-old thoroughbreds, starting with the Kentucky Derby and concluding with the Belmont Stakes. Winning all three races is considered one of the most challenging achievements in horse racing.

The event attracts considerable attention from sports enthusiasts, gamblers, and the general public across the United States. Beyond the race itself, the Preakness Stakes is characterised by a festive atmosphere, specific traditions, and a substantial economic impact on the Baltimore region.

History and Origins of Preakness Stakes

The inaugural Preakness Stakes was run on 27th May 1873, with a colt named Survivor winning the first edition. The race was named in honour of a horse called Preakness, a Maryland-bred colt who won the Dinner Party Stakes at Pimlico’s opening in 1870. The initial prize money was $1,000.

For its first fifteen years, the race was held at Pimlico Race Course. However, between 1890 and 1908, the Preakness Stakes experienced several changes in venue and a brief hiatus. It was held at Morris Park Racecourse in New York in 1890 and subsequently at Gravesend Race Track, also in New York, from 1894 to 1908. The race was not run from 1891 to 1893. In 1909, the Preakness Stakes returned to its original home at Pimlico, where it has remained ever since.

The concept of the “Triple Crown” emerged much later, gaining prominence after Sir Barton became the first horse to win all three races in 1919. The Preakness cemented its position as the middle jewel, consistently run two weeks after the Kentucky Derby. Over its long history, the race has seen numerous legendary horses and jockeys contribute to its storied legacy, including Secretariat’s record-setting performance in 1973, which remains unbeaten.

How Preakness Stakes Is Celebrated

The Preakness Stakes is celebrated with a unique blend of formal racing tradition and lively public festivities, particularly at its home, Pimlico Race Course. The event draws a diverse crowd, ranging from racing aficionados in formal attire to revellers enjoying the infield’s more casual atmosphere.

Pimlico Race Course Traditions

The grandstand area typically features a more traditional racing crowd, often including owners, trainers, and VIPs. Hats and smart casual wear are common, reflecting the historical elegance associated with horse racing. Betting on the races is a significant activity, with various wagering options available to attendees.

The infield, however, is renowned for its large-scale party atmosphere. The “InfieldFest” features major musical acts performing throughout the day, attracting a younger demographic. Activities in the infield can include games, food vendors, and a general carnival-like environment, often leading to a stark contrast with the more sedate grandstand.

Ceremonial Observances

Several long-standing traditions mark the Preakness Stakes. The winning horse is draped with a blanket of black-eyed Susans, the state flower of Maryland. However, as genuine black-eyed Susans do not bloom in May, yellow chrysanthemums are used and painted with black centres to replicate the appearance of the native flower.

Another distinctive tradition occurs shortly after the race when the cupola of the Old Clubhouse, visible from the track, is painted with the colours of the winning jockey’s silks. This quick ceremony visually signals the winner to the entire racecourse. The official drink of the Preakness Stakes is the “Black-Eyed Susan cocktail,” a mixture typically including vodka, bourbon, and various fruit juices. Prior to the main race, the state song, “Maryland, My Maryland,” is traditionally performed, often by the United States Naval Academy Glee Club. The presentation of the Woodlawn Vase to the winning connections is also a highlight, showcasing one of sport’s most valuable trophies.

When Is Preakness Stakes?

The Preakness Stakes is a fixed-date event in relation to a specific day of the week and month. It is consistently held on the third Saturday in May each year. This timing places it two weeks after the Kentucky Derby, which is run on the first Saturday in May. Following the Preakness, the Belmont Stakes, the final leg of the Triple Crown, takes place three weeks later, typically in early June.

This specific scheduling is integral to the Triple Crown series, providing a consistent sequence for thoroughbreds attempting the challenging feat of winning all three races. The entire series takes place within a five-week period on the Gregorian calendar. The precise date varies each year due to its fixed position as a Saturday in May, but the interval between the three races remains constant.

Preakness Stakes Key Facts