The Preakness Stakes is an annual horse race held in the United States that is part of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing. It is the second leg of the Triple Crown, and is held two weeks after the Kentucky Derby and three weeks before the Belmont Stakes. The race is held at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, and is considered one of the most prestigious events in thoroughbred racing. It is the second-most attended horse race in the world, behind only the Kentucky Derby.
History of the Preakness Stakes
The Preakness Stakes was first run in 1873, and is named after the horse Preakness, who won the race that year. The race has been held annually ever since, except for a brief period during World War II when it was suspended due to a shortage of horses. The race offers one of the largest purses in thoroughbred racing, with the winner receiving $1.5 million.
The Race Course
The Preakness Stakes is held at the historic Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. The track is one of the oldest in the United States, having been in operation since 1870. The track is one mile long, and the race is run on a dirt surface. The course is known for its tight turns and short straightaways, making it a challenging race for horses and jockeys alike.
The Preakness Trophy
The winner of the Preakness Stakes is presented with the Woodlawn Vase, which is the oldest trophy in sports. The trophy is made of sterling silver and stands two feet tall. It is adorned with more than 30 figures and symbols, representing the history and culture of Maryland. The trophy is considered one of the most valuable trophies in sports, and is valued at more than $1 million.
The Preakness Post Positions
The Preakness Stakes is a competitive race, with a maximum of 14 horses competing for the win. The horses are placed at the starting gate based on post positions, which are determined by a random draw several days before the race. This draw is important, as the post positions can have an impact on the outcome of the race.
Notable Winners of the Preakness
The Preakness Stakes has a long and storied history, with some of the greatest horses in racing history having won the race. Some of the most notable winners of the Preakness include:
- Secretariat: Won the Triple Crown in 1973, setting a record time of 1:53.
- Citation: Won the Triple Crown in 1948 and was the first horse to win $1 million in career earnings.
- Affirmed: Won the Triple Crown in 1978, and is one of only 11 horses to ever win the Triple Crown.
- Seattle Slew: Won the Triple Crown in 1977, and is the only horse to ever win the Triple Crown while undefeated.
- Man o’ War: Won the race in 1920 and is widely considered one of the greatest horses in history.
The Preakness Today
The Preakness Stakes continues to be one of the most popular and prestigious events in thoroughbred racing. The race is held annually on the third Saturday in May, and is broadcast live on national television. The race typically attracts a large and enthusiastic crowd, with more than 140,000 people attending each year.
The Preakness InfieldFest
In addition to the horse race, the Preakness has become a major event in its own right. The infield at Pimlico Race Course is transformed into an outdoor festival, with live music, food and drink, and games. The InfieldFest is a popular destination for both horse racing fans and non-fans alike, and has grown in popularity over the years.
Betting on the Preakness
Betting on the Preakness is a popular pastime for many fans, and there are several ways to do so. At the track, fans can place bets on the race with cash or with a betting slip. Fans can also place bets online through legal online sportsbooks in certain states.
Is the Preakness Race Today?
The answer is yes! The Preakness Stakes is held annually on the third Saturday in May, and the 2021 race will take place on Saturday, May 15th. The race will be broadcast live on NBC, and fans can also watch online through streaming services such as NBC Sports and TVG.
Conclusion
The Preakness Stakes is one of the most prestigious events in thoroughbred racing, and has been held annually since 1873. It is the second leg of the Triple Crown, and is held two weeks after the Kentucky Derby and three weeks before the Belmont Stakes. The race is held at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, and the 2021 race will take place on Saturday, May 15th. Fans can watch the race live on NBC or online through streaming services such as NBC Sports and TVG.