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Preakness Stakes

Get ready for thundering hooves and thrilling finishes - it's Preakness Stakes, the second jewel in the Triple Crown of horse racing!
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When it is?
May 18
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International
Introduction

Get ready to witness exhilarating action on May 18, as the mighty thoroughbreds race for glory on Preakness Stakes! This exciting tradition dates back to 1873 and is the second jewel in the Triple Crown of horse racing. Named after a horse named Preakness, who won the Dinner Party Stakes on the day the Pimlico opened, the event has seen many legendary winners etching their name in the annals of horse racing history. Whether you're a seasoned bettor or a casual viewer, the day promises adrenaline-pumping moments, stunning victories, and fantastic celebrations! Let's brace ourselves for the thundering hooves and thrilling finishes!

History of Preakness Stakes

Preakness Stakes Dates

Preakness Stakes Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1873</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Preakness Stakes</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first Preakness Stakes horse race took place, with Survivor winning the inaugural race.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1918</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>War Cloud and Jack Hare Jr.</div><div class='timeline-text'>In an unprecedented event, War Cloud and Jack Hare Jr. tie for victory, marking the only double-win in Preakness Stakes history.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1946</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Triple Crown Winner</div><div class='timeline-text'>Assault wins the Preakness Stakes and subsequently becomes a Triple Crown winner, the seventh in American horse racing history.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1988</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Filly Winner's Circle</div><div class='timeline-text'>Racing filly Winning Colors became the first and only filly to win the race since Nellie Morse in 1924.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2015</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>American Pharoah's Triumph</div><div class='timeline-text'>American Pharoah wins the Preakness Stakes in a downpour on his way to becoming the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate Preakness Stakes

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Host a Preakness-themed party</h3><p class='facts-text'>Invite some friends and family over for a race-viewing party. Have everyone dress in race day attire (think hats and dresses for the ladies, seersucker suits for the men), prepare some finger foods, and serve Black-Eyed Susans, the official drink of the Preakness.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Do a Betting Pool</h3><p class='facts-text'>Stir up some friendly competition by organizing a betting pool. Even if you disregard financial bets, having some kind of consequence for incorrect guesses (like doing dishes) will make the event more exciting!</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Go to the race</h3><p class='facts-text'>If possible, witness the race live at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. The electrifying atmosphere, the sounds of thundering hooves and cheering crowd, and seeing the horses up close is an unbeatable experience.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Create a Racecourse in your backyard</h3><p class='facts-text'>Create a mini racecourse in your backyard or nearby park. Have some fun horse races with your friends using stick horses and celebrate your own version of the Preakness.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Learn about previous winners</h3><p class='facts-text'>Take some time to read about famous past winners of the Preakness Stakes and their inspiring stories. This not only adds depth to your understanding of the race but also allows for a greater appreciation for the hard work and determination that goes into winning such an esteemed title.</p></div></div>

Why We Love Preakness Stakes

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's an Exciting Festival of Horse Racing</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The Preakness Stakes is one of the most exhilarating horse racing events in the world, offering adrenaline-pumping action, impressive athletic prowess and nail-biting finishes. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, it's virtually impossible not to get caught up in the thrill of the race.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It Encourages Friendly Competition</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Preakness Stakes Day provides a great opportunity to engage in some healthy competition with friends and family. Whether it's through dressing up in race day attire, participating in a betting pool, or hosting your own mini racecourse, celebrating Preakness Stakes fosters community spirit and friendly rivalry.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Offers a Chance to Learn about Horse Racing History</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Celebrating Preakness Stakes gives us a chance to delve into the rich history of horse racing and discover inspiring stories of past winners. It not only enriches our knowledge of this esteemed sport but also instills a greater appreciation for the dedication and determination that goes into claiming the titles.</p></div></div>

5 Thrilling Facts About Preakness Stakes

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Preakness Stakes gets its name from New Jersey</h3><p class='facts-content'>Although the race is conducted in Baltimore, the event takes its name from a horse named Preakness, who hailed from Preakness, New Jersey!</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Winner goes home with the Woodlawn Vase</h3><p class='facts-content'>The winning horse’s owner takes home the Woodlawn Vase, a trophy dating back to 1860 and valued at over $1 million – making it the most valuable trophy in American sports.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Secretariat holds the speed record</h3><p class='facts-content'>Famous Triple Crown winner, Secretariat, holds the record for the fastest Preakness Stakes, completing the race in 1:53 in the year 1973.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>It is more than just a horse race</h3><p class='facts-content'>Preakness Stakes is also known for its InfieldFest - a multi-entertainment event featuring live concerts, a MUG Club with unlimited beer, and a unique party scene amid the horse racing action.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Black-Eyed Susan controversy</h3><p class='facts-content'>The official drink of Preakness Stakes is called Black-Eyed Susan. However, the recipe has changed multiple times and the current concoction doesn't even contain Maryland's state flower, the Black-eyed Susan, after which it’s named.</p></div></div>

Preakness Stakes FAQs

Preakness Stakes Dates

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2023

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2027

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