The Preakness Stakes is one of the most iconic races in horse racing and is the second leg of the Triple Crown. The 2021 Preakness Stakes will take place on May 15, 2021 at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. The question then becomes, how many horses will participate in the 2022 Preakness Stakes?
History of Preakness Stakes
The Preakness Stakes is one of the oldest and most prestigious horse races in the United States. It has been held annually since 1873 and is the second leg of the Triple Crown Series, which includes the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes. The Preakness Stakes is the oldest of the three Triple Crown races and is the second longest, after the Belmont Stakes.
Rules and Regulations
The Preakness Stakes is a Grade I Thoroughbred race for three-year-old horses that takes place annually at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. The race is run on a dirt track and is 1 3/16 miles long. The race is open to fourteen horses, with a maximum of sixteen horses allowed, and the purse for the winner is currently $1.5 million.
Qualifying for Preakness Stakes
Horses must qualify for the Preakness Stakes in order to be eligible to compete. The criteria for qualification include winning a graded stakes race or finishing in the top four in a major prep race. Horses that do not meet the criteria can be considered for a spot in the field if they are ranked in the top 20 of the Kentucky Derby points standings.
2022 Preakness Stakes: How Many Horses?
As of yet, there is no official information regarding how many horses will participate in the 2022 Preakness Stakes. However, if the same rules and regulations remain in place, we can expect the same number of horses – fourteen with a maximum of sixteen – to be allowed to compete.
Possible Contenders for 2022 Preakness Stakes
Although it is difficult to predict which horses will be among the contenders for the 2022 Preakness Stakes at this point, some potential contenders include:
- Essential Quality – The winner of the 2021 Kentucky Derby and a likely contender for the 2022 Preakness Stakes.
- Rock Your World – The winner of the 2021 Santa Anita Derby and a possible contender for the 2022 Preakness Stakes.
- Hot Rod Charlie – The winner of the 2021 Louisiana Derby and a possible contender for the 2022 Preakness Stakes.
- Hozier – The winner of the 2021 Arkansas Derby and a possible contender for the 2022 Preakness Stakes.
Purse Money for 2022 Preakness Stakes
The purse money for the 2022 Preakness Stakes is expected to remain the same as the 2021 Preakness Stakes – $1.5 million, with the winner taking home $900,000.
Post Positions for 2022 Preakness Stakes
The post positions for the 2022 Preakness Stakes will be determined through a draw that takes place approximately one week before the race.
Betting on the 2022 Preakness Stakes
Betting on the 2022 Preakness Stakes will most likely open up once the post positions have been drawn and the contenders have been announced. Until then, there will be plenty of speculation about which horses will be in the running and who the favorites will be.
Live Coverage of the 2022 Preakness Stakes
The 2022 Preakness Stakes will be broadcast live on NBC Sports from Pimlico Race Course. The coverage will likely begin at 5 PM EST and will feature pre-race interviews and analysis, and post-race interviews and analysis.
Conclusion
The 2022 Preakness Stakes is scheduled for May 15, 2022 at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. As of yet, there is no information available regarding how many horses will participate in the race, but it is expected that fourteen horses with a maximum of sixteen will be allowed to compete. The purse money for the 2022 Preakness Stakes is expected to remain the same as the 2021 Preakness Stakes – $1.5 million, with the winner taking home $900,000. Post positions will be determined through a draw that takes place approximately one week before the race, and betting will open up once the contenders have been announced. The race will be broadcast live on NBC Sports.