Preakness 2024 - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Date and Location: The Preakness Stakes is traditionally held on the third Saturday in May each year at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. In 2024, the race will take place on May 18th.
- 2. History: The Preakness Stakes is the second leg of the American Triple Crown, following the Kentucky Derby and preceding the Belmont Stakes. It was first run in 1873, making it one of the oldest horse races in the United States.
- 3. Distance and Surface: The Preakness Stakes is run at a distance of 1 3/16 miles (9.5 furlongs) on a dirt track at Pimlico Race Course.
- 4. Purse: The purse for the 2024 Preakness Stakes is expected to be around $1.5 million, with the winner taking home a significant portion of the prize money.
- 5. Contenders: The field for the Preakness Stakes typically includes top three-year-old Thoroughbreds from around the country, with some horses coming from the Kentucky Derby and others entering specifically for the Preakness.
- 6. Betting: The Preakness Stakes is one of the most heavily bet horse races in the United States, with millions of dollars wagered on the race each year. Bettors can place a variety of bets, including win, place, show, exacta, trifecta, and more.
- 7. Black-Eyed Susan Day: The day before the Preakness Stakes is known as Black-Eyed Susan Day, featuring several stakes races for fillies and mares. It is a popular event for fans to attend and enjoy the festivities leading up to the main event.
- 8. InfieldFest: The Preakness Stakes is known for its lively InfieldFest, a music festival held in the infield of Pimlico Race Course on race day. The festival features live music performances, food and drink vendors, and a party atmosphere for spectators.
- 9. Fashion: The Preakness Stakes is also a popular event for fashion, with attendees dressing up in their finest attire for the races. The event is known for its colorful and stylish outfits, including elaborate hats for women and sharp suits for men.
- 10. Triple Crown Contention: If a horse wins both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes, it will have a chance to compete for the Triple Crown at the Belmont Stakes. Only a handful of horses have achieved this rare feat in the history of horse racing.