The Preakness Stakes is a Grade I American thoroughbred horse race that is held annually on the third Saturday of May at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. It is one of the three races that make up the Triple Crown of American horse racing, along with the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes. The Preakness Stakes is the second race of the Triple Crown, following the Kentucky Derby and preceding the Belmont Stakes.
The race was first held in 1873 and has been run every year since, making it one of the oldest horse races in the United States. The Preakness Stakes is known for its festive atmosphere and is often referred to as “The Run for the Black-Eyed Susans,” as the winning horse is draped with a blanket of black-eyed susans, the state flower of Maryland. The race is also famous for its infield party, which attracts thousands of fans each year.
History
The Preakness Stakes is an American thoroughbred horse race held annually at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. The race is the second jewel in the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, which also includes the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes.
Origins
The Preakness Stakes was first run in 1873, making it older than both the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes. The race was named after a horse called Preakness, who won the first-ever race held at Pimlico Race Course in 1870.
Early Years
During its early years, the Preakness Stakes was held at various locations and at different times of the year. It was eventually moved to Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, where it has been held ever since. The race was initially run over a distance of 1 1/2 miles, but this was changed to its current distance of 1 3/16 miles in 1925.
Modern Era
In recent years, the Preakness Stakes has become known for its festive atmosphere, with fans flocking to Pimlico Race Course to watch the race and take part in the celebrations. The race has also been the site of many historic moments in horse racing, including Secretariat’s record-breaking win in 1973 and American Pharoah’s Triple Crown victory in 2015.
Race Details
Location
The Preakness Stakes is an American Grade I thoroughbred horse race held annually on the third Saturday in May at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. Pimlico Race Course is a historic track that first opened in 1870 and has hosted the Preakness Stakes since 1909.
Distance
The Preakness Stakes is run over a distance of 9.5 furlongs, which is equivalent to 1 3/16 miles or 1,900 meters. This distance is shorter than the Kentucky Derby, which is run over 10 furlongs (1 1/4 miles), but longer than the Belmont Stakes, which is run over 12 furlongs (1 1/2 miles).
Track Surface
The Preakness Stakes is run on dirt, which is a natural surface made up of clay, sand, and silt. The dirt track at Pimlico Race Course is known for being one of the fastest in the country, which can make for exciting races and close finishes.
Purse
The purse for the Preakness Stakes is currently $1 million, which is split among the top finishers. The winner receives the majority of the purse, with the remaining funds being distributed to the second through fifth-place finishers.
Overall, the Preakness Stakes is a prestigious horse race that attracts top thoroughbreds from around the world. Its unique location, distance, and track surface make it a challenging and exciting race to watch, and the large purse ensures that only the best horses and jockeys compete for victory.
Controversies
The Preakness Stakes is one of the most prestigious horse racing events in the world, but it has not been without its fair share of controversies over the years. This section explores some of the most notable controversies in the history of the race.
Drug Scandals
One of the most significant controversies surrounding the Preakness Stakes is the issue of drug use in horse racing. In recent years, several high-profile horses have failed drug tests after competing in the race, leading to disqualifications and suspensions.
Most recently, in 2021, Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit tested positive for a banned substance after the race, casting a shadow over the entire Triple Crown series. The controversy ultimately led to the horse being disqualified from the Derby and raised questions about the effectiveness of drug testing in horse racing.
While drug scandals are not unique to the Preakness Stakes, they have certainly impacted the race’s reputation and raised concerns about the welfare of the horses and the integrity of the sport.
Cancellation
Another significant controversy surrounding the Preakness Stakes is the issue of cancellation. The race has been cancelled several times throughout its history due to a variety of factors, including war, financial difficulties, and legal disputes.
One of the most notable cancellations occurred in 1890 when the race was called off due to anti-gambling legislation in Maryland. The cancellation sparked outrage among racing fans and led to a decline in the popularity of the sport in the region.
While cancellations are rare, they have had a significant impact on the history of the Preakness Stakes and serve as a reminder of the fragility of the sport and its traditions.
Famous Winners
The Preakness Stakes has been won by many famous horses over the years. Here are some of the most notable winners:
- Secretariat: In 1973, Secretariat won the Preakness Stakes with a record-breaking time of 1:53. Secretariat is considered one of the greatest racehorses of all time and is the only horse to complete the Triple Crown with a sub-two minute time in each race.
- American Pharoah: In 2015, American Pharoah became the first horse in 37 years to win the Triple Crown. He won the Preakness Stakes with a time of 1:58.46.
- Citation: In 1948, Citation won the Preakness Stakes with a time of 1:56.4. He went on to win the Triple Crown that year.
- Seattle Slew: In 1977, Seattle Slew won the Preakness Stakes with a time of 1:54.4. He went on to win the Triple Crown that year.
- Affirmed: In 1978, Affirmed won the Preakness Stakes with a time of 1:54.2. He went on to win the Triple Crown that year, defeating his rival Alydar in all three races.
Other famous winners of the Preakness Stakes include War Admiral, Whirlaway, Count Fleet, and Assault. Each year, the Preakness Stakes attracts the best three-year-old horses in the world. The race is known for its intense competition and thrilling finishes. The winners of the Preakness Stakes are forever enshrined in horse racing history, and their names are remembered by racing fans for generations to come.
Conclusion
The Preakness Stakes is a prestigious horse race that has been held annually since 1873. It is one of the oldest horse races in America, and it is the second leg of the Triple Crown of American horse racing. The race takes place at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, and it is a Grade I race run over a distance of 9.5 furlongs (1,900 metres) on dirt.
The Preakness Stakes is a significant event in the horse racing world, and it attracts thousands of fans every year. The race is known for its rich history, exciting atmosphere, and competitive field of horses. The winning horse of the Preakness Stakes is awarded the Woodlawn Vase, one of the most valuable trophies in sports.
Over the years, the Preakness Stakes has produced many legendary horses, including Secretariat, who set a record time in 1973 that still stands today. The race has also seen many upsets, with long shots and underdogs occasionally coming out on top. The Preakness Stakes is a race that is full of surprises, and it is always exciting to watch.
