The Preakness Stakes, also known as “The Run for the Black-Eyed Susans”, is one of the three major thoroughbred horse races that make up the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing. Held annually in mid-May, the Preakness Stakes is the second leg of the Triple Crown and is run at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland.
History of the Preakness Stakes
The Preakness Stakes was first held in 1873 and is named after the winning horse in the first race, Preakness. The race was originally a 1.5 mile race, but was changed to its current distance of 1 3/16 miles in 1925. The Preakness Stakes has been held at the Pimlico Race Course since 1909, with only a few exceptions due to weather conditions or war.
Notable Horses in the Preakness Stakes
The Preakness Stakes has had some of the most successful horses in history race on its track. Two of the most notable horses are Secretariat, who won the Triple Crown in 1973, and Affirmed, who won the Triple Crown in 1978. Other notable horses that have won the Preakness Stakes include Citation, War Admiral, Whirlaway, and Seattle Slew.
Purse and Prize Money
The purse for the Preakness Stakes is usually around $1.5 million, with the winner taking home the majority of the purse. The prize money is divided among the top four finishers, with the winner taking home $900,000, the second place finisher taking home $300,000, the third place finisher taking home $180,000, and the fourth place finisher taking home $90,000.
How Many Horses Run in the Preakness?
The Preakness Stakes typically fields a field of 14 horses. The race is limited to 14 horses because of the track’s tight turns and shorter distances. The 14 starters are determined by a points system that takes into account a horse’s performance in the Kentucky Derby and other major races.
The Starting Gate
The Preakness Stakes is one of the few major races in the world that still uses a starting gate. The gate consists of 14 movable stalls with an electric eye that opens the gate when the race begins. The starting gate allows the race to start quickly and safely, and is a key factor in keeping the race to 14 starters.
Post Position Draw
The post position draw for the Preakness Stakes is held the Wednesday before the race. The post position draw is an important factor in determining the odds of each horse, as the post position determines where the horse will break from the starting gate and how it will race around the track.
The Run for the Black-Eyed Susans
The Preakness Stakes is known for its signature victory celebration, which involves a blanket of Black-Eyed Susans, Maryland’s state flower, being draped over the winning horse. The tradition began in 1909 and has become an iconic part of the race.
Other Races at Pimlico
In addition to the Preakness Stakes, Pimlico Race Course also holds several other major races, including the Grade I Pimlico Special, the Grade II Dixie Stakes, and the Grade III Maryland Sprint Stakes.
Betting on the Preakness
Betting on the Preakness is a popular pastime for horse racing fans and is a great way to get involved in the race. There are a variety of ways to bet on the Preakness, including win, place, show, exacta, trifecta, and superfecta bets.
Conclusion
The Preakness Stakes is one of the most prestigious horse races in the world and is a key event in the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing. The race typically fields a field of 14 horses and offers a purse of $1.5 million, with the winner taking home the majority of the prize money. The post position draw and betting on the race are also important factors in determining the outcome of the race. The Preakness is a great event to watch and a great way to get involved in the sport of horse racing.