The Preakness Stakes is an American flat thoroughbred horse race that is held annually in the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area. It is the second leg of the Triple Crown series, preceded by the Kentucky Derby and followed by the Belmont Stakes. The Preakness is typically held on the third Saturday in May, two weeks after the Kentucky Derby and three weeks before the Belmont Stakes. The race is run at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, and is the second-oldest of the Triple Crown races, having first been run in 1873.
History of the Preakness
The Preakness Stakes was first held in 1873, and was named after the colt Preakness, who won the Dinner Party Stakes on the day the race was announced. The first Preakness was won by Survivor, and the race has been held every year since. The race has been moved around the calendar a few times, and was most recently held on the third Saturday in May in 2009.
The Preakness Purse
The Preakness purse is currently $1.5 million, with the winner taking home $900,000. This makes it the second-richest race in the Triple Crown series, behind only the Kentucky Derby. The purse has grown steadily over the years and is now among the most lucrative stakes races in the world.
Number of Horses in the Preakness
The Preakness is a Grade I stakes race, meaning that it is open to the top 3-year-old thoroughbreds. The field is limited to 14 horses, which is the same as for the Kentucky Derby.
Eligibility Criteria for the Preakness
In order to be eligible for the Preakness, a horse must meet certain criteria. The horse must be 3 years old and must have won a race in the same year as the Preakness. The horse must also have competed in either the Kentucky Derby or one of the other major pre-Preakness races, such as the Wood Memorial or the Santa Anita Derby.
Weigh-In Process for the Preakness
The Preakness includes a weigh-in process for all horses entered into the race. This ensures that all horses are physically fit and ready to race. The horses must weigh in no less than 1,000 pounds. The horses are also subject to a drug test, which is administered by the Maryland Racing Commission.
Jockeys Riding in the Preakness
The Preakness also has a jockey requirement. All jockeys must have a valid riding license and be in good standing with the Jockey’s Guild. The jockeys must be at least 16 years old and must have ridden in at least one race prior to the Preakness.
Notable Wins in the Preakness
The Preakness has seen many notable wins over the years. Some of the more famous Preakness winners include:
- Secretariat – 1973
- Affirmed – 1978
- Seattle Slew – 1977
- War Admiral – 1937
- Citadel – 1945
- Man o’ War – 1920
- Riva Ridge – 1972
- Gallant Fox – 1930
The Preakness Trophy
The Preakness Trophy is a 14-karat gold replica of a thoroughbred horse and jockey, presented to the winner of the race each year. It is 18 inches tall and weighs 8.5 pounds. The trophy is currently valued at $200,000.
Preakness Attendance
The Preakness is typically attended by over 100,000 spectators each year. This makes it one of the largest single-day sporting events in the world. In 2018, the attendance was over 140,000.
Conclusion
The Preakness is one of the most prestigious and lucrative horse races in the world. It is the second leg of the Triple Crown, and is held annually in the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area. The race is open to 14 horses that meet the eligibility criteria, and the purse is currently $1.5 million. The Preakness trophy is a 14-karat gold replica of a thoroughbred horse and jockey, and the race is typically attended by over 100,000 spectators each year.