Pimlico is a thoroughbred racetrack located in Baltimore, Maryland. It is best known for hosting the second leg of the Triple Crown series, the Preakness Stakes. The Preakness has been run at Pimlico since 1873, making it one of the oldest continuously-run sporting events in the United States. Though Pimlico and the Preakness are closely associated, they are not the same thing. This article will explore the differences between Pimlico and the Preakness.
History of Pimlico
Pimlico Race Course was opened in 1870 by Maryland Jockey Club president, William DuPont. The track was designed by renowned architect Joseph E. Ross and modeled after the English racing course at Epsom Downs. The track was named after the London borough of Pimlico and was the first racetrack to be built in the United States.
The inaugural Preakness Stakes was held at Pimlico in 1873. The race has been run at Pimlico ever since, with the exception of 1890 when it was held at Morris Park in New York. In the years since, Pimlico has been home to many other prestigious races, including the Pimlico Special, the Pimlico Oaks, and the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes.
History of the Preakness Stakes
The Preakness Stakes is an American Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds. It is the second jewel of the Triple Crown series, with the Kentucky Derby being the first and the Belmont Stakes being the third. The Preakness is run at a distance of 1 3/16 miles and is the shortest of the three races.
The Preakness was named for Preakness Stables, which was owned by the first owner of the racehorse, Survivor. The inaugural Preakness was won by Survivor in 1873. Since then, the race has been run annually at Pimlico, with the exception of 1890 when it was held at Morris Park in New York.
Pimlico Race Course Today
Pimlico Race Course is now owned by the Stronach Group, a Canadian-based company that also owns several other racetracks, including Santa Anita Park and Gulfstream Park. In addition to the Preakness Stakes, Pimlico hosts many other races throughout the year. These include the Pimlico Special, the Pimlico Oaks, and the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes.
The track also hosts a variety of other events, such as concerts, festivals, and conferences. In addition, the track is home to a large simulcast facility, which allows bettors to place bets on races from other racetracks around the world.
Significance of the Preakness
The Preakness is one of the most prestigious races in the United States. It is the middle jewel in the Triple Crown series and is the only race that is held at the same track every year. It is also the oldest continuously-run sporting event in the United States.
The Preakness also carries great significance for horse racing fans. It is the only race in the Triple Crown series that is not a handicap race, meaning that the horses that compete in the Preakness typically have a better chance of winning than in the other two races. It is also the only race in the series that requires the horses to start from the starting gate rather than the traditional post parade.
Notable Winners of the Preakness
The Preakness has seen some of the greatest horses in history run its course. Here are some of the most notable winners of the race:
- Secretariat: The 1973 Triple Crown winner is widely considered to be one of the greatest racehorses of all time. He won the Preakness by an incredible margin of victory of over 2 lengths.
- Affirmed: Affirmed won the 1978 Triple Crown and was the last horse to win all three races. He set a track record in the Preakness of 1:54.8.
- American Pharoah: American Pharoah became the 12th Triple Crown winner in 2015. He won the Preakness by 7 lengths, the largest margin of victory since Smarty Jones in 2004.
- Justify: Justify won the 2018 Triple Crown and set a new track record at the Preakness with a time of 1:53.2.
Controversies Surrounding the Preakness
The Preakness has seen its share of controversy over the years. In 2020, the race was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, sparking debate over whether or not the race should be held at all. There have also been numerous cases of animal cruelty at the track, as well as allegations of doping.
Preakness Trophy
The Preakness trophy is a silver bowl that is presented to the winner of the race. The bowl was designed in 1919 by Tiffany & Co. and contains the names of all the winners of the race. The trophy is valued at over $200,000.
Pimlico and the Preakness Today
Pimlico Race Course and the Preakness Stakes remain closely associated today. The Preakness has been run at Pimlico since 1873 and is the only race in the Triple Crown series that is held at the same track every year. Though Pimlico and the Preakness are closely linked, they are not the same thing.
Conclusion
Pimlico and the Preakness are closely linked, but they are not the same thing. Pimlico is a thoroughbred racetrack located in Baltimore, Maryland that has been in operation since 1870 and is home to the Preakness Stakes, as well as many other prestigious races. The Preakness is an American Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds and is the second jewel of the Triple Crown series. Though Pimlico and the Preakness are closely associated, they are two distinct entities.