The Preakness Stakes is an American flat horse race held annually in mid-May at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. The race is held on the third Saturday of May each year and serves as the middle jewel of the Triple Crown, preceded by the Kentucky Derby and followed by the Belmont Stakes. It is a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds at a distance of 1 3⁄16 miles (1.91 km). Colts and geldings carry 126 pounds (57 kg); fillies carry 121 pounds (55 kg).
History of the Preakness Horse Race
The Preakness Stakes was named after a winning colt at Pimlico. The term “Preakness” means a sudden and strong excitement. The first Preakness, held on May 27, 1873, drew seven starters. John Chamberlain’s three-year-old, Survivor, collected the winner’s share of the purse (which was $2,050 in 1873) and a large silver cup presented by the Maryland Jockey Club.
The Preakness has been termed “The Run for the Black-Eyed Susans” because a blanket of yellow flowers altered to resemble Maryland’s state flower, the black-eyed Susan, is placed around the winner’s neck.
Prize Money at the Preakness Horse Race
The Preakness Stakes offers a purse of $1.5 million, with $900,000 going to the winner. It is the second-richest race in the United States, behind only the Kentucky Derby.
Where to Watch the Preakness Horse Race
The Preakness horse race can be watched live on television in the United States and Canada. The race is broadcast on NBC Sports and NBC Sports Network. The Preakness Stakes is also available to watch online through NBC Sports Live Extra.
When is the Preakness Horse Race?
The Preakness Stakes is held annually on the third Saturday in May. This year, the 2021 Preakness Stakes will be held on Saturday, May 15.
What Channel is the Preakness Horse Race on Today?
The Preakness Stakes will be broadcast live on NBC Sports and NBC Sports Network on Saturday, May 15. The coverage begins at 5 p.m. ET.
What are the Post Positions for the Preakness Horse Race?
The post positions for the Preakness Stakes are determined by a random draw. The draw will take place on Wednesday, May 12, and the post positions will be announced following the draw.
What are the Odds for the Preakness Horse Race?
The odds for the Preakness Stakes are determined by the betting public in the days leading up to the race. The odds can be found online on various betting websites.
Notable Horses at the Preakness Horse Race
The Preakness Stakes has been home to some of the greatest horses in history, including:
- Secretariat, the 1973 Triple Crown winner whose record time of 1:53 remains the fastest Preakness time ever.
- Affirmed, the 1978 Triple Crown winner who defeated rival Alydar in all three Triple Crown races.
- American Pharoah, the 2015 Triple Crown winner who ended a 37-year Triple Crown drought.
- Justify, the 2018 Triple Crown winner who won the Preakness Stakes by a half-length.
Notable Jockeys at the Preakness Horse Race
The Preakness Stakes has also seen some of the greatest jockeys in history. These include:
- Eddie Arcaro, the winningest jockey in Preakness history with six victories.
- Pat Day, the winningest active jockey in Preakness history with four victories.
- Steve Cauthen, the youngest jockey to win the Preakness, at 18 years old.
- Victor Espinoza, the jockey who won the Triple Crown with American Pharoah in 2015.
Notable Trainers at the Preakness Horse Race
The Preakness Stakes has also seen some of the greatest trainers in history, including:
- Bud Delp, the winningest trainer in Preakness history with seven victories.
- Bob Baffert, the winningest active trainer in Preakness history with seven victories.
- D. Wayne Lukas, the only trainer to win the Preakness four times with four different horses.
- Steve Asmussen, the trainer who won the Preakness with Curlin in 2007 and Lookin At Lucky in 2010.
Conclusion
The Preakness Stakes is one of the most prestigious horse races in the world. It is the second leg of the Triple Crown and offers a purse of $1.5 million. The 2021 Preakness Stakes will be held on Saturday, May 15, and can be watched live on NBC Sports and NBC Sports Network.