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Iron Honor wins the Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct. (Photo by Coglianese Photo / Credit to Susie Raisher)
Betting the 2026 Preakness Stakes on Different Budgets
The second leg of the Triple Crown will be hosted for the first ever time by Laurel Park on Saturday with a full field of 14 sophomores set to go postward.
Racing
Analysis: 2026 Preakness Run Styles
The 2026 Preakness (G1) has attracted a preponderance of speed types among its 14 entrants, with a fast early tempo appearing probable for the 1 3/16-mile race.
Racing
Iron Honor wins the Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct. (Photo by Coglianese Photo / Credit to Susie Raisher)
Tipsheet: 2026 Preakness Stakes
A well-matched field of 14 three-year-olds will run 1 3 /16 miles over the Laurel Park dirt surface in Saturday’s historic, $2 million Preakness (G1).
Racing
Best Ways for Beginners to Bet $10 on the Preakness Stakes
A full field of three-year-old horses will take aim at the second leg of the Triple Crown on Saturday.
Racing
2026 Preakness Brisnet Speed Rating Report
Brisnet Speed Rating Report for the 2026 Preakness Stakes (G1), including a look at recent Preakness winners and analysis of top contenders.
Racing
Everything to know about the 2026 Preakness post positions
How relevant are historical post position statistics for determining which horses drew favorable post positions in Saturday’s $2 million Preakness (G1) at Laurel Park?
Racing
2026 Preakness Stakes purse: How much prize money the winning owner and trainer will earn
The purse of the Preakness (G1) has come a long way since its inaugural running in 1873, when the winning horse earned $1,850 and the runner-up $200.
Racing
2026 Preakness Stakes: Odds, Picks, News and Notes
The Preakness News and Notes is a one stop shop for everything you need to know about Preakness Stakes Weekend.
Analysis
The best longshot to bet in the 2026 Preakness Stakes
This one-off edition of the Preakness at Laurel has attracted an unusual capacity field, so perhaps the chances of another surprise have inherently increased.
Preakness Stakes
2026 Preakness Stakes Odds, Top Contenders & Betting Favorites
Explore the 2026 Preakness Stakes (G1) odds and top contenders. Compare betting favorites, track odds movement, and get expert insights.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast May 13, 2026
Jason is joined by Kellie Reilly for our weekly International Radar segment to open the show. Jason also discusses the Preakness draw, odds and more!
Racing
2026 Preakness Stakes Horses: Full List of Contenders & Entries
See the full list of 2026 Preakness Stakes (G1) horses, contenders, and official entries. Track updates, odds, and key profiles.
Racing
Iron Honor slight early favorite in Preakness
A field of 14 has been entered for the $1.5 million Preakness (G1) at Laurel on Saturday, the second leg of the Triple Crown.
Preakness Stakes
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Ocelli
A rallying third-place finish in the 1 1/8-mile Wood Memorial (G2) launched Ocelli into the 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) picture.
Racing
Which prep races produce the best Triple Crown contenders?
It’s widely known which prep races serve as the best stepping stones to the Kentucky Derby (G1). But which races produce the best Triple Crown contenders?
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Great White
Does Great White have the pedigree to excel racing 1 1/4 miles on dirt in the Kentucky Derby (G1)? That’s an important question to ask.
Racing
2026 Triple Crown Schedule: Key Dates, TV Schedule & Live Stream
This guide below gives you the full 2026 Triple Crown schedule. You will learn when and where each race takes place, how to watch live on TV and how to stream each event online.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Robusta
Among the horses entered in the 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1), one of the most fascinating from a pedigree standpoint is Robusta.
Racing
Top 10 Biggest Horse Races In The World
Let's look at the 10 biggest horse races in the world, from the “race that stops a nation” to the “fastest two minutes in sports.”
Racing
10 interesting facts about Justify, the legendary horse and Triple Crown winner
Justify is the 13th and most recent Triple Crown winner, having achieved his milestone in 2018 in remarkable circumstances. Below are 10 interesting facts about Justify.
Racing
10 interesting facts about American Pharoah, the legendary horse and Triple Crown winner
American Pharoah was the 12th Triple Crown winner, having broken a 37-year drought to win the famed trio of races in 2015.
Racing
The Heart that Wears the Crown: Affirmed
But who was the lanky chestnut colt that came out on top, the one that followed Seattle Slew into history a scant 12 months after his own classic campaign? The combination of an easygoing disposition, a clever mind, and an iron will gave Affirmed everything he would need to turn away his challengers and become an immortal.
Racing
The Heart that Wears the Crown: Secretariat
Fifty years and 31 lengths ago, Secretariat sailed into the history books as the ninth horse to win the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes, our American Triple Crown.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Iron Honor
A determined charge down the Aqueduct homestretch carried Iron Honor to a one-length victory in the Gotham (G3) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Triple Crown profile: Secretariat
Learn about the legendary racing career of 1973 Triple Crown winner Secretariat.
Racing
The Heart That Wears the Crown: Sir Barton
Thoroughbreds are fast and powerful athletes and the most elite are the ones whose names become a part of our collective consciousness, but, like familiar faces like Tom Brady and Michael Jordan, they were living, breathing beings who interacted with the world around them and left a distinct impression on those who cared for them.
Triple Crown
The Heart that Wears the Crown: Gallant Fox
Gallant Fox’s victories in the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes were the first to come with the name “Triple Crown,” as those intervening years saw the three races enter the sport’s consciousness with that sobriquet attached.
Triple Crown
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Dec. 30, 2025
Jason continues his look back at 2025, talking about the Preakness and Belmont, the summer meets, and fall Breeders' Cup preps.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Chip Honcho
Chip Honcho joined the Road to the Kentucky Derby with a determined win in the Gun Runner S. at Fair Grounds. But his pedigree is a bit unorthodox for a Kentucky Derby (G1) contender.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Napoleon Solo
Napoleon Solo joined the Road to the Kentucky Derby with a tremendous performance in the Champagne (G1), leading all the way to dominate by 6 1/2 lengths.
Racing
Racing Roundtable: Farewell to D. Wayne Lukas and recapping Stephen Foster Day
This week, the Racing Roundtable is more a debate than a forum as James Scully and Vance Hanson alone hash out the events and major races of the past weekend.
Racing
Five underappreciated champions trained by D. Wayne Lukas
As serious health issues have forced Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas into retirement at the age of 89, thoughts turn reflective about the inevitable passing of time in our own lives.
Racing
Photo Essay: D. Wayne Lukas as coach, horseman, and hall of fame legend
Scroll through photos spanning many moments across D. Wayne Lukas' historic career as a coach, horseman, and Hall of Fame legend.
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem for June 9, 2025
Jason looks back on the 2025 Triple Crown series and those horses going forward.
Racing
LIVE Belmont Stakes 2025 expert picks, results, horse racing news, Belmont Stakes horses, & odds
Join us LIVE for a packed day of horse racing news for Belmont Stakes 2025 with odds, expert picks, results, and more.
Analysis
LIVE
Horse Racing This Weekend: Key Races, Top Horses & Best Bets [June 7-June 8]Find out everything you need to know about key races, top horse, and best bets with TwinSpires horse racing this weekend.
Analysis
LIVE Friday Belmont Stakes Festival expert picks, odds, horses, news, and handicapping analysis
Follow along with us throughout today's stakes races for expert picks, odds, horse racing news, results, and more.
Analysis
2025 Belmont Stakes: Journalism pegged at 8-5, Sovereignty 2-1 on morning line
Post positions and morning-line odds for the 2025 Belmont Stakes
Racing
2025 Preakness Reflections: Journalism Earns Well-Deserved Classic Victory
The 150th edition of the Preakness S. (G1) provided us with an expected result with Journalism living up to his even-money status as the heavily backed favorite.
Analysis
Racing Roundtable: Journalism and Preakness Day
On this week's Racing Roundtable, guest host Nick Tammaro joins James Scully and Vance Hanson to discuss all thinks Preakness (G1).
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast May 19, 2025
Jason looks back at the wild Preakness won by Journalism and talks about the race, the rides, and much more!
Racing
2025 Preakness Stakes winner: Journalism (even-money) wins the 150th Preakness
Twenty years after Afleet Alex recovered from near-disaster to win the Preakness (G1), even-money favorite Journalism escaped from perilously tight quarters in Saturday’s renewal at Pimlico.
Racing
LIVE 2025 Preakness Stakes odds, picks, handicapping analysis, best bets, and more horse racing news this weekend
Preakness Day has arrived! Stay-tuned with us all day for LIVE odds for Preakness, expert picks, Preakness Past Performances brought to you by Brisnet, and horse racing news, with in-depth handicapping and analysis from our panel of experts.
Racing
2025 Preakness Stakes odds, predictions, contenders, horses
Quickly glance at why you should or shouldn't bet each horse in the 2025 Preakness Stakes.
Racing
2025 Preakness Stakes: Weather forecast, chance of rain for the day of the race
What will the weather be like at Pimlico Park today? Will there be rain?
Preakness Stakes
Pimlico: Analyzing Preakness Day mandatory-payout carryovers
A couple of five-figure jackpot carryovers will be dispersed in mandatory fashion on Preakness Day at Pimlico.
Racing
2025 Preakness Stakes Picks: Predictions and Odds for All Horses Before 150th Race
2025 Preakness Stakes Picks: Predictions and Odds for All Horses Before 150th Race
Preakness Stakes
Scully: Pick 3 play on Preakness Day
Nine are set for the 150th running of the $2 million Preakness (G1), and Kentucky Derby (G1) runner-up Journalism has been installed as the 8-5 morning line favorite.
Preakness Stakes
2025 Preakness Stakes horses: trainers, jockeys, owners competing in the race
Who are the horse trainers, owners and jockeys in Preakness Stakes 150?
Preakness Stakes
2025 Preakness Stakes odds, betting strategy, cheat sheet
A Speedy Favorite to Bet in the Preakness, A Lucrative Longshot to bet for the Preakness, and Pace of the Race with how the Preakness Stakes will be run.
Racing
Spot Plays for 2025 Preakness Day undercard
If the weather and field sizes hold, it would be no surprise to see around $100 million handled at Pimlico on Saturday. Here are a trio of runners on the undercard I'll be taking a look at.
Racing
Betting the 2025 Preakness Stakes on Different Budgets
The second leg of the Triple Crown series has attracted nine three-year-olds to run 1 3/16 miles at Pimlico on Saturday
Racing
2025 Preakness Stakes purse: How much prize money the winning owner and trainer will earn
Have you ever wondered how much prize money the winning Preakness owner and trainer receive? We have the answers.
Racing
2025 Preakness Brisnet Speed Rating report
Let’s preview the two most recent Speed ratings for the rest of the 2025 field, ranked by the top last-out number.
Preakness Stakes
Best way for beginners to bet $10 on the 2025 Preakness Stakes
Saturday’s 150th running of the $2 million Preakness (G1) at Pimlico is a perfect opportunity for beginning bettors to test the waters with a $10 horse racing bet.
Racing
2025 Preakness Stakes Free Betting Guide
This ultimate Preakness Betting Guide makes it easy to place those best bets and build that bankroll. Discover our FREE betting guide today!
Racing
Analyzing the running styles of 2025 Preakness contenders
How fast a pace will we see in Saturday’s 150th running of the $2 million Preakness (G1)? Perhaps analyzing the field will reveal the answer.
Racing
Preakness Stakes pedigree profile: Heart of Honor
After falling a nose shy of victory in the UAE Derby (G2) in Dubai, Heart of Honor passed on a start in the Kentucky Derby (G1) to await the Preakness (G1).
Racing
Preakness Stakes pedigree profile: Pay Billy
Back-to-back triumphs in the 1 1/16-mile Private Terms S. and 1 1/8-mile Federico Tesio S. have stamped Pay Billy as a contender for the 2025 Preakness (G1).
Racing
2025 Black-Eyed Susan & Friday Racing odds, predictions, contenders, horses
Find multiple expert picks and plays for the full day of Friday racing and Black-Eyed Susan Stakes at Pimlico Park.
Preakness Stakes
Everything to know about the 2025 Preakness post positions
Nine horses are entered to race in Saturday’s $2 million Preakness (G1) at Pimlico. Post positions for the second leg of the Triple Crown were drawn on Monday evening.
Racing
Preakness Stakes International Scouting Report: Heart of Honor
Heart of Honor, the near-misser in the UAE Derby (G2), is luring Jamie Osborne into a rare stateside raid for the Preakness (G1) and potentially the June 7 Belmont (G1).
Racing
Preakness Stakes pedigree profile: Clever Again
It was striking to see Clever Again show talent on dirt with a blowout triumph over Grade 1 winner Gaming in the one-mile Hot Springs S.
Racing
Scully: Pick 4 play for Pimlico Friday
The $300,000 Black-Eyed Susan (G2) for three-year-old fillies tops six stakes at Pimlico Friday and serves as the anchor for an All-Stakes Pick 4 sequence that begins in Race 10.
Preakness Stakes
2025 Preakness Stakes date, time & where to watch it: TV schedule, post time, live stream
On this page, quickly check the best dates, times, and channels or streaming services for watching the Preakness Stakes.
Racing
2025 Triple Crown Schedule: Key Dates, TV Schedule & Live Stream
Explore the 2025 Triple Crown schedule with key race dates, TV coverage and live stream options for the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes.
Racing
How long are the three Triple Crown races?
The three races which make up the U.S. Triple Crown of Thoroughbred horse racing—the Kentucky Derby, Preakness S., and Belmont S.—each provide a test over a different distance at a different venue.
Racing
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem for May 15, 2025
Jason discusses this year's Preakness (G1) and gives his picks.
Racing
Preakness Stakes 2025: Meet the jockeys and trainers
Nine jockeys and nine trainers are partnering to race nine horses in Saturday’s $2 million Preakness (G1) at Pimlico.
Racing
2025 Preakness Stakes: Odds, News, and Notes
Find out everything you need to know with our 2025 Preakness Stakes odds, news, and notes! And don't forget to tune in to our LIVE coverage on Preakness day, where you can find up-to-date horse racing news, LIVE odds, expert picks, and more.
Racing
The best longshot to bet in the 2025 Preakness Stakes
Who among Saturday's group has a chance of being in the same position, hoping to topple heavy favorite Journalism?
Preakness Stakes
Tipsheet: 2025 Preakness Stakes
An excellent field of nine sophomores will travel 1 3/16 miles over the Pimlico dirt in Saturday’s historic $2 million Preakness S. (G1).
Racing
Preakness Stakes pedigree profile: Goal Oriented
Back-to-back maiden and allowance optional claiming wins have thrust Goal Oriented into the picture as a 2025 Preakness (G1) contender.
Racing
Racing Roundtable: Peter Pan, early Preakness thoughts, and more!
The Racing Roundtable of James Scully, Vance Hanson, and Ashley Anderson recap last Saturday's Belmont (G1) prep race, the Peter Pan (G2), plus other performances that caught their eye, and provide early thoughts on the 150th running of Saturday's $2 million Preakness (G1).
Racing
Journalism installed as 8-5 favorite in 2025 Preakness Stakes
Journalism tops a nine-horse field entered in Saturday's 150th Preakness (G1) at Pimlico.
Racing
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem for May 8, 2025
Jason discusses the recently concluded season at Tampa Bay Downs.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast May 7, 2025
Jason opens the show discussing Sovereignty not going to the Preakness. Then we welcome in the voice of the Preakness, Dave Rodman, to talk about the middle leg of the Triple Crown, Smarty Jones, calling races at Pimlico, and much more!
Racing
Race for the Crown episode 5 recap: The Preakness
The Preakness—the middle jewel of the Triple Crown—takes center stage in episode 5 of Race for the Crown. Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan enters the second leg of the series with history on the line. A win at Pimlico would put him just one race away from becoming the 14th horse to sweep the Triple Crown.
Racing
Race for the Crown Premiers on Netflix: Follow Along with TwinSpires
Race for the Crown premieres on Netflix April 22. The six-part docuseries follows jockeys, trainers, and owners through the 2024 Triple Crown season, beginning with the previous season’s Breeders’ Cup.
Racing
Netflix offers exclusive behind-the-scenes perspective on journey to the Triple Crown
"Race for the Crown," a new six-part Netflix series premiering April 22, 2025, promises an immersive look into the high-stakes world of Thoroughbred horse racing.
Racing
Michael Iavarone explains his winning Pick-5 ticket structure
Michael Iavarone had the sole winning ticket of Tampa Bay Downs’ late Pick 5 worth $435,029.40 on Feb. 8, 2020 when placing his bet at TwinSpires.com.
Racing
Official Triple Crown Nominations List 2025: Who will we see in the Kentucky Derby?
Who will we see in the Kentucky Derby? This early Triple Crown nominations list holds many of their names.
Kentucky Derby
Racing Roundtable: D. Wayne Lukas' 7th Preakness win, Pimlico stakes action, and more
This week, the Racing Roundtable discusses D. Wayne Lukas' seventh Preakness (G1) win with Seize the Grey, other notable stakes results at Pimlico, and what else caught their eye over the weekend.
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem May 20, 2024
Jason looks back at this weekend's Preakness S. (G1) and Seize the Grey's connections scoring a big win.
Racing
Who is Preakness-winning jockey Jaime Torres?
“Can you guys imagine when you are watching a movie and you have this horse, like it's the main character in the movie and you see the last race and he wins and you feel that emotion..."
Racing
2024 Preakness: Seize the Grey gives Lukas another classic
Forty-four years after winning the Preakness (G1) for the first time with Codex, trainer D. Wayne Lukas added to his own legend and rewrote the history books when Seize the Grey led gate-to-wire to capture the $2 million middle jewel of the Triple Crown over a muddy Pimlico strip on Saturday.
Racing
2024 Preakness Stakes Picks: Predictions and Odds for All Horses Before 149th Race
Predictions for what horse will win the 2024 Preakness Stakes, plus historical trends and commentary on what horses have won in the past.
Preakness Stakes
Preakness Stakes odds, predictions, contenders, horses
Predictions for horses running in the Preakness Stakes, plus a deep dive into run styles.
Preakness Stakes
Preakness Stakes odds, betting strategy, cheat sheet
What is the best betting strategy for Preakness Stakes 149? Experts provide their picks and analysis for wagers.
Preakness Stakes
2024 Preakness Stakes Coverage; Breaking News, Odds, Analysis, Expert Picks | May 18, 2024
TwinSpires will be here LIVE starting at 10:30 AM EST giving you the latest race entries, replays, odds, and more for the second leg of the Triple Crown!
Racing
2024 Preakness Stakes horses: trainers, jockeys, owners competing in the race
What trainers and jockeys are in the 2024 Preakness Stakes? Plus two prominent jockeys to watch.
Preakness Stakes
Why I’m betting Tuscan Gold to win the Preakness Stakes
The 2024 Preakness (G1) at Pimlico is packed with accomplished horses. So why am I betting on #8 Tuscan Gold, one of only two horses in the field who has yet to win a stakes?
Racing
Preakness Stakes: Weather forecast, chance of rain for the day of the race
National Weather Service Detailed Forecast for the Baltimore area during the Preakness Stakes.
Preakness Stakes
Hanson: Spot Plays for Newbury, Pimlico May 18
It'll be a long and exciting day of racing around the world on Saturday, as my attention will be focused on the action at Newbury in England in the morning and the Preakness Day program at Pimlico the remainder of the day.
Racing
Meet the jockeys and trainers of Preakness 149
Following the scratch of Muth, eight horses are slated to contest the 2024 Preakness (G1) at Pimlico. Seven trainers and eight jockeys will help those horses run to their full potential in the second leg of the Triple Crown.
Racing
Betting the 2024 Preakness on different budgets
A seemingly wide-open field has assembled for the 2024 Preakness (G1) at Pimlico. A solid case can be made for many of the entrants to win the 1 3/16-mile race.
Racing
Top 5 storylines for 2024 Preakness Stakes
The scratch of morning line favorite Muth dominated the headlines on Wednesday of Preakness Week. Moreover, it removed a pivotal talking point: would Muth confirm the form of his Arkansas Derby (G1) victory over next-out Kentucky Derby (G1) hero Mystik Dan?
Racing
2024 Preakness Stakes Latest News and Notes
The 149th running of the Preakness S. is quickly upon us. Our Preakness News and Notes offers all our coverage in one place to act as the ultimate guide to aid in your betting experience.
Racing
2026 Preakness Stakes: Latest News, Notes, Videos, History & Key Facts
- Laste Updated on May 12, 2026
- Location: Pimlico Race Course
- Inaugural Race: 1873
- Current Distance: 1 & 3/16 miles (9.5 furlongs)
- Track Type: Left-Handed Dirt
- Age Qualification: Three-year-olds
- 2026 Purse: $2 million
- 2026 Race Date: May 16th
Preakness Probables, Previews & More
The Preakness is traditionally the second jewel among the Triple Crown of horse racing, taking place in mid May following the Kentucky Derby. Find useful links and contender profiles for the Preakness Stakes below:
- Preakness Stakes Odds
- Preakness Stakes Betting Guide
- Preakness Stakes Contenders
- Preakness Stakes Trivia
Preakness Stakes Weather Forecast, Dates, Schedules, Calendars
- Will it rain on Preakness Stakes day?
- Preakness Stakes Date, Time, TV Schedule, Live Stream
- 2026 Triple Crown Schedule: Key Dates, TV Schedule & Live Stream
Preakness Horse Profiles
Taj Mahal | Ocelli | Crupper | Robusta | Talkin | Chip Honcho | The Hell We Did | Bull by the Horns | Iron Honor | Napoleon Solo | Corona de Oro | Incredibolt | Great White | Pretty Boy Miah
Preakness Stakes Entries, Odds & Results
For the last five Preakness winners, the Brisnet Speed ratings earned in the two previous starts are listed below.
| Horse | Last race | Two back |
| Journalism | 102 | 108 |
| Seize the Grey | 92 | 89 |
| National Treasure | 97 | 97 |
| Early Voting | 111 | 91 |
| Rombauer | 96 | 91 |
Preakness Stakes Video Replays
Watch Past Preakness Stakes Races
Video of the 2020 Preakness Stakes
Watch as Swiss Skydiver becomes just the sixth filly in history to capture the Preakness Stakes, and the first since Hall of Famer Rachel Alexandra won it all back in 2009.
Video of the 2019 Preakness Stakes
Watch as Swiss Skydiver becomes just the sixth filly in history to capture the Preakness Stakes, and the first since Hall of Famer Rachel Alexandra won it all back in 2009.
Video of the 2018 Preakness Stakes
Watch as Justify prevails over Good Magic following a wire-to-wire battle to capture the 2nd leg of the 2018 Triple Crown at Pimilico Race Course in Maryland.
Video of the 2017 Preakness Stakes
Watch the 2017 Preakness Stakes, as Kentucky Derby champion Always Dreaming battled with Classic Empire for the majority of the race, before Cloud Computing pulled ahead for an upset win.
Video of the 2016 Preakness Stakes
Check out footage of the 2016 Preakness Stakes, as jockey Kent Desormeaux notches sought revenge with Exaggerator, finally getting the wet track he loved!
The Preakness Stakes – Race Records
Find notable historical records for the Preakness Stakes below:
Fastest Time
1.53.00
Secretariat- 1973
Most Wins by a Jockey
6
Eddie Arcaro (1941, 1948, 1950, 1951, 1955, 1957)
Most Wins by a Trainer
7
R. Wyndham Walden (1875, 1878, 1879, 1880, 1881, 1882, 1888)
Bob Baffert (1997, 1998, 2001, 2002, 2010, 2015, 2018)
Most Wins by an Owner
7
Calumet Farm (1941, 1944, 1947, 1948, 1956, 1958, 1968, 2013)
Biggest Winning Margin
11 1/2 lengths
Smarty Jones (2004)
A Brief History of the Preakness Stakes
The Preakness Stakes, also known as the second leg of the Triple Crown, is one of the most important and attended horse race in the sport’s history. Run every year on the third Saturday in May, the historic race is regularly the second most heavily attended race of year, typically only trailing the Kentucky Derby. In fact, 2016 was a record setting year for the Preakness Stakes, with 135,256 people came to the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore to watch the pulse-pounding race.
The first running of the Preakness Stakes took place all the way back in 1873. Oden Bowie, the former governor of Maryland, named the race after the colt Preakness, who as a major underdog won the Dinner Party Stakes on the day Pimlico opened its doors in 1870. In it's infancy, the race struggled to succeed and moved multiple times in the early years. In 1890 the race moved to Morris Race Course in the Bronx, New York. It failed to run for the following three years. The next race was held in 1894 at Gravesend Race Track on Coney Island, where it ran for a total of fifteen years. In 1909, the Preakness was brought home to Pimlico and it has been run here ever since.Originally run at 1 ½ miles, the race has been run at several different lengths before being set at 1 3/16th miles, where it has stayed since 1925.
Winners of the Preakness Stakes are honored by having their silks painted on the jockey and horse weather vane atop a replica of the Old Clubhouse cupola. Winning jockeys are presented with the famed Woodlawn Vase, and take home a half-sized replica for themselves (the original trophy is stored at the Baltimore Museum of Art). The winning horses are draped in a blanket of replica black-eyed Susans, the state flower of Maryland. The race is forced to use replicas because the race is run a full two months before the flower blooms naturally. Ironically, actual black-eyed Susans have never been used in the race fondly known as “The Run for the Black Eyed Susans"
Notable entries in the Preakness Stakes include past Triple Crown winners like American Pharoah, Secretariat and Affirmed as well as horses like California Chrome, Smarty Jones and Real Quiet. You can bet on the Preakness Stakes legally at TwinSpires.