Preakness Stakes Fun Facts

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We’ve created this list of 50 fun facts about the Preakness Stakes!

In addition to over 50 fun facts about the Preakness Stakes, learn more about its history, the best horses and jockeys, legends, traditions, and so much more!

Preakness Stakes Fun Facts


Table of Contents

Fun Facts About the Preakness Stakes – About the Preakness Stakes

The Preakness Stakes is an American thoroughbred horse race held annually on the third Saturday in May at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland.

It is the second leg of the American Triple Crown, following the Kentucky Derby and preceding the Belmont Stakes.

The race is open to three-year-old horses, and it covers a distance of 1 3/16 miles (1.91 km).

The Preakness Stakes has been run since 1873, making it one of the oldest races in the United States.

The race is known for its festive atmosphere, and it attracts a large and enthusiastic crowd each year. The Preakness Stakes is considered one of the most prestigious races in the sport of horse racing.

Fun Facts About the About the Preakness Stakes – History of the Event

Before we get to the fun facts about the About the Preakness Stakes, here’s a little bit about its history.

The Preakness Stakes is a historic horse race that was first run in 1873. It is the second leg of the Triple Crown, which also includes the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes.

The race was named after a colt named Preakness, who won the Dinner Party Stakes in 1870. The following year, the Maryland Jockey Club decided to name a new stakes race in his honor, and the Preakness Stakes was born.

The first Preakness Stakes was held on May 27, 1873, at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. The race was won by a colt named Survivor, who was ridden by jockey George Barbee.

Over the years, the Preakness Stakes has become one of the most important horse races in the world. It has been won by some of the greatest horses in history, including Secretariat, Seattle Slew, and American Pharoah.

In addition to its rich racing history, the Preakness Stakes has also been a cultural touchstone for the state of Maryland. The race is known for its festive atmosphere, its signature cocktail (the Black-Eyed Susan), and its iconic traditions, such as the playing of “Maryland, My Maryland” before the race.

Today, the Preakness Stakes remains one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year. It continues to draw huge crowds to Pimlico Race Course and millions of viewers around the world, who tune in to watch the race and witness the excitement and drama of one of the greatest spectacles in sports.

Fun Facts About the Preakness Stakes – 50 Fun Facts

Here are 50 fun facts about the Preakness Stakes:

  1. The first Preakness Stakes was run in 1873.
  2. The race was named after a colt named Preakness, who won the Dinner Party Stakes in 1870, which was held at Pimlico Race Course.
  3. The Preakness Stakes is the second leg of the Triple Crown, which also includes the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes.
  4. The Preakness Stakes is held two weeks after the Kentucky Derby.
  5. The Preakness Stakes is known as “The Run for the Black-Eyed Susans,” as the winning horse is draped with a blanket made of black-eyed susans, which is the state flower of Maryland.
  6. The blanket of black-eyed susans is actually made of a combination of daisies, asters, and other flowers, with the black-eyed susans being painted on the petals.
  7. The black-eyed susan flower is not in season during the Preakness Stakes, so the painted flowers are used instead.
  8. The winning horse is also given a replica of the Woodlawn Vase, which is worth over $4 million.
  9. The Woodlawn Vase is a sterling silver trophy that was first awarded in 1861.
  10. The Woodlawn Vase was created by Tiffany & Co. and is the most valuable trophy in American sports.
  11. The Preakness Stakes is the shortest of the three Triple Crown races, at 1 3/16 miles.
  12. The Preakness Stakes has been run at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, since its inception in 1873.
  13. The Preakness Stakes has had a total of 146 runnings.
  14. The record time for the Preakness Stakes is 1:53, set by Secretariat in 1973.
  15. Secretariat also holds the record for the largest margin of victory, winning by 11 1/2 lengths in 1973.
  16. The largest field in Preakness Stakes history was 14 horses, which has occurred several times.
  17. The Preakness Stakes has only been run outside of Baltimore twice, in 1890 and 1909.
  18. The Preakness Stakes was not run in 1891 and 1892 due to financial problems.
  19. The Preakness Stakes was not run from 1894-1899, as Pimlico Race Course was shut down due to political and financial reasons.
  20. The Preakness Stakes has had a total of 12 fillies win the race, the most recent being Rachel Alexandra in 2009.
  21. The Preakness Stakes has had a total of 23 Triple Crown winners, with the most recent being Justify in 2018.
  22. The Preakness Stakes has been won by several famous horses, including Man o’ War, Seabiscuit, War Admiral, Citation, and Affirmed.
  23. The Preakness Stakes has also been won by several famous jockeys, including Eddie Arcaro, Bill Hartack, Willie Shoemaker, and Kent Desormeaux.
  24. The Preakness Stakes has been canceled twice, in 1891 and 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  25. The Preakness Stakes has been rescheduled twice, in 1890 and 1917, due to inclement weather.
  26. The Preakness Stakes was broadcast on television for the first time in 1948.
  27. The Preakness Stakes was broadcast on television for the first time in 1948.
  28. The Preakness Stakes was the first Triple Crown race to have a $1 million purse, in 1981.
  29. The Preakness Stakes was also the first Triple Crown race to offer a $5 million bonus for a horse that wins the Triple Crown, which was first offered in 1997.
  30. The Preakness Stakes has had several notable upsets, including the defeat of heavily favored Smarty Jones in 2004 and the defeat of Kentucky Derby winner California Chrome in 2014.
  31. The Preakness Stakes has also had several controversial finishes, including the disqualification of first-place finisher Gate Dancer in 1984 and the dead heat finish between Codex and Genuine Risk in 1980.
  32. The Preakness Stakes has inspired several songs, including “Maryland, My Maryland” and “Maryland, My Maryland (Preakness Version).”
  33. The Preakness Stakes is one of the largest one-day sporting events in the United States, attracting over 100,000 spectators each year.
  34. The infield at Pimlico Race Course, where spectators gather during the Preakness Stakes, is known for its festive atmosphere and has been called the “biggest outdoor cocktail party in America.”
  35. The Preakness Stakes has been featured in several movies, including “Tin Cup” and “The Whole Nine Yards.”
  36. The Preakness Stakes has also been referenced in several television shows, including “The Simpsons” and “The Sopranos.”
  37. The Preakness Stakes has its own beer, called “Black-Eyed Susans Preakness Ale,” which is brewed by the Flying Dog Brewery in Maryland.
  38. The Preakness Stakes has its own cocktail, called the “Black-Eyed Susan,” which is made with vodka, orange juice, pineapple juice, and lime juice.
  39. The Black-Eyed Susan cocktail was named after the state flower of Maryland.
  40. The Preakness Stakes has its own mascot, named Kegasus, which is a half-man, half-horse figure.
  41. Kegasus was created in 2011 to promote the infield party at the Preakness Stakes.
  42. The Preakness Stakes has its own hashtag, #PreaknessStakes, which is used on social media to discuss the race.
  43. The Preakness Stakes is a major event for fashion, with many attendees dressing up in fancy attire and wearing elaborate hats.
  44. The Preakness Stakes has its own fashion contest, called the “Preakness Stakes Fashion Contest,” which awards prizes for the best dressed attendees.
  45. The Preakness Stakes has its own website, preakness.com, which provides information about the race and allows visitors to purchase tickets and merchandise.
  46. The Preakness Stakes has its own app, called “Preakness 146,” which provides news, information, and live updates about the race.
  47. The Preakness Stakes has its own charity event, called the “Preakness Stakes Celebration,” which raises money for various charities in Maryland.
  48. The Preakness Stakes is a major event for Maryland tourism, attracting visitors from around the world to Baltimore and the surrounding area.
  49. The Preakness Stakes has been the subject of several books, including “Preakness: A History of the Maryland Jockey Club” by Timothy Capps and “The Preakness” by Steve Haskin.
  50. The Preakness Stakes is a beloved American horse racing tradition, steeped in history and culture, and continues to captivate fans year after year.

We hope you enjoyed these fun facts about the Preakness stakes!

Fun Facts About the Preakness Stakes – 20 Fun Facts for Kids

Here are 20 fun facts about the Preakness Stakes that kids might enjoy:

  1. The Preakness Stakes is a horse race that takes place every year in Baltimore, Maryland.
  2. The race is the second leg of the Triple Crown, a series of three horse races that also includes the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes.
  3. The race is run on a dirt track that is one mile long.
  4. The race is named after a horse named Preakness who won a race called the Dinner Party Stakes in 1870.
  5. The race has been held every year since 1873, except for a few years during World War I and World War II.
  6. The race is sometimes called “The Run for the Black-Eyed Susans” because the winner is traditionally draped with a blanket of flowers that look like the Maryland state flower, the Black-Eyed Susan.
  7. The winner of the Preakness Stakes receives a silver trophy that weighs 34 pounds.
  8. The fastest time ever recorded in the Preakness Stakes was by Secretariat in 1973. He ran the race in just under 1 minute and 54 seconds.
  9. The youngest jockey to ever win the Preakness Stakes was 15-year-old Eddie Arcaro in 1941.
  10. The oldest jockey to ever win the Preakness Stakes was 52-year-old Willie Shoemaker in 1986.
  11. The Preakness Stakes is known for its signature drink, the Black-Eyed Susan. The drink is made with vodka, rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, lime juice, and triple sec.
  12. The Preakness Stakes is known for its “Infield Fest,” which is a big party that takes place in the middle of the racetrack during the race.
  13. The Preakness Stakes is the only Triple Crown race that has a painted starting gate.
  14. The Preakness Stakes has a tradition of playing the song “Maryland, My Maryland” before the race.
  15. The record for the most wins by a jockey in the Preakness Stakes is six, held by Eddie Arcaro and Pat Day.
  16. The record for the most wins by a trainer in the Preakness Stakes is seven, held by R. Wyndham Walden.
  17. The record for the most wins by an owner in the Preakness Stakes is six, held by Calumet Farm.
  18. The Preakness Stakes has had two horses win the race while carrying the heaviest weight ever carried by a winning horse: 128 pounds. Those horses were Red Bullet in 2000 and Rachel Alexandra in 2009.
  19. The Preakness Stakes has had two horses win the race while carrying the lightest weight ever carried by a winning horse: 75 pounds. Those horses were Sly Fox in 1898 and Rosie’s Gift in 1934.
  20. The Preakness Stakes has had two horses win the race after being named “Deputed Testamony.” Those horses were Deputed Testamony in 1983 and Deputed Testamony’s son, Tinchen’s Prince, in 1994.
  21. The Preakness Stakes has had two horses win the race after being named “Sir Barton.” Sir Barton won the first ever Triple Crown in 1919, and Sir Barton’s grandson, Sir Barton II, won the Preakness Stakes in 1933.
  22. The Preakness Stakes has had one horse win the race after being named “War Admiral.” War Admiral won the Triple Crown in 1937

We hope you enjoyed these fun facts about the Preakness stakes!

Fun Facts About the Preakness Stakes – Rules of the Game

The rules of the Preakness Stakes are similar to those of other horse races. In addition to the fun facts about the Preakness Stakes, here are some details about its rules:

  1. Eligibility: Only 3-year-old Thoroughbred horses are eligible to compete in the Preakness Stakes. The horse must also be nominated to run in the race by its owner and trainer.
  2. Weight: Each horse must carry a specific amount of weight during the race, which is determined by the horse’s past performance.
  3. Distance: The Preakness Stakes is run on a dirt track that is 1 3/16 miles long. Horses must run the entire distance to be eligible to win.
  4. Starting Gate: Horses start the race from a starting gate, which is a mechanical device that opens the gates for all horses to start at the same time.
  5. Jockeys: Each horse is ridden by a jockey, who must follow specific rules during the race, such as staying in the designated lanes and not interfering with other horses.
  6. Winning: The first horse to cross the finish line is the winner of the race. If there is a tie, a photo finish is used to determine the winner.
  7. Doping: Horses are subject to drug testing before and after the race to ensure they have not been given any performance-enhancing drugs.

These are some of the basic rules of the Preakness Stakes, but there are also many other regulations and guidelines that must be followed to ensure the safety and fairness of the race.

Fun Facts About the Preakness Stakes – Where It’s Raced

In addition to the fun facts about the Preakness Stakes, here are some details about where it’s held.

The Preakness Stakes is raced at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Pimlico Race Course is the second oldest racetrack in the United States, and it has been the home of the Preakness Stakes since the race was first run in 1873.

The racetrack is located in the northwest section of Baltimore, and it has a capacity of approximately 100,000 spectators.

The track is known for its distinctive clubhouse and grandstand, as well as its unique dirt track surface.

Fun Facts About the Preakness Stakes – Best Horses

The Preakness Stakes has a rich history of legendary horses and memorable moments. Here are some fun facts about the Preakness Stakes and some of the best horses who have won the Preakness Stakes:

  1. Secretariat: In 1973, Secretariat won the Preakness Stakes by a record-setting 2 3/4 lengths, completing the race in 1:53, which still stands as the fastest time in Preakness history.
  2. Man o’ War: In 1920, Man o’ War won the Preakness Stakes by a stunning 20 lengths, setting a new track record for the race.
  3. Citation: In 1948, Citation won the Preakness Stakes, completing the second leg of the Triple Crown. Citation went on to win the Belmont Stakes to become the eighth Triple Crown winner.
  4. Affirmed: In 1978, Affirmed won the Preakness Stakes in a thrilling battle with his rival, Alydar. Affirmed went on to win the Belmont Stakes to become the eleventh Triple Crown winner.
  5. American Pharoah: In 2015, American Pharoah won the Preakness Stakes by seven lengths, becoming the first horse to win the Triple Crown in 37 years.

These are just a few of the legendary horses who have won the Preakness Stakes, but there have been many other great champions who have made their mark on the race over the years.

Fun Facts About the Preakness Stakes – Best Jockeys

The Preakness Stakes has seen many great jockeys over the years, but here are some fun facts about the Preakness Stakes some of the most successful and famous jockeys in the history of the race:

  1. Eddie Arcaro: Arcaro won the Preakness Stakes a record six times, riding Whirlaway (1941), Citation (1948), Hill Gail (1952), Bold (1957), Nashua (1955), and Venetian Way (1960).
  2. Pat Day: Day won the Preakness Stakes five times, riding Tank’s Prospect (1985), Summer Squall (1990), Tabasco Cat (1994), Timber Country (1995), and Louis Quatorze (1996).
  3. George Barbee: Barbee won the Preakness Stakes four times, riding Master Derby (1975), Little Current (1974), Bee Bee Bee (1972), and Damascus (1967).
  4. Bill Hartack: Hartack won the Preakness Stakes three times, riding Carry Back (1961), Northern Dancer (1964), and Majestic Prince (1969).
  5. Victor Espinoza: Espinoza won the Preakness Stakes three times, riding War Emblem (2002), California Chrome (2014), and American Pharoah (2015).

These are just a few of the many great jockeys who have won the Preakness Stakes. Each year, the race attracts some of the best jockeys in the world, who compete for the chance to add their names to the list of Preakness champions.

Fun Facts About the Preakness Stakes – Greatest Records

The Preakness Stakes has a long and storied history, and there are many records that have been set and broken over the years. Here are some fun facts about the Preakness Stakes and some of the most notable records in the history of the event:

  1. Fastest Time: Secretariat holds the record for the fastest time in Preakness history, completing the race in 1 minute, 53 seconds in 1973.
  2. Most Wins by a Jockey: Eddie Arcaro holds the record for the most Preakness wins by a jockey, with six victories between 1941 and 1957.
  3. Most Wins by a Trainer: R. Wyndham Walden holds the record for the most Preakness wins by a trainer, with seven victories between 1875 and 1888.
  4. Most Wins by an Owner: Calumet Farm holds the record for the most Preakness wins by an owner, with eight victories between 1941 and 1968.
  5. Largest Winning Margin: Smarty Jones won the 2004 Preakness Stakes by a record 11 1/2 lengths.
  6. Most Consecutive Wins: R. Wyndham Walden trained four consecutive Preakness winners between 1878 and 1881.
  7. Most Consecutive Placings: Eddie Arcaro rode horses that placed in the Preakness Stakes a record 10 consecutive times between 1941 and 1950.

These are just a few of the impressive records associated with the Preakness Stakes. The race continues to inspire and excite horse racing fans around the world, and each year, new records are set and new legends are made.

About the Preakness Stakes – Legends

The Preakness Stakes has been a part of American culture for over a century, and as such, many legends and stories have developed around the race. Here are some fun facts about the Preakness Stakes and some of the most famous legends associated with the event:

  1. Secretariat: In 1973, Secretariat became the first horse to win the Preakness Stakes in under two minutes, setting a new track record that still stands today. He went on to win the Triple Crown that year, cementing his place in horse racing history.
  2. American Pharoah: In 2015, American Pharoah became the first horse in 37 years to win the Triple Crown, with his Preakness victory being a key part of his historic run. He went on to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic later that year, becoming the first horse to win the “Grand Slam” of American horse racing.
  3. Affirmed and Alydar: In 1978, Affirmed and Alydar had a legendary duel in the Preakness Stakes, with Affirmed edging out Alydar by a nose in one of the most exciting finishes in horse racing history. The two horses continued their rivalry throughout the year, with Affirmed ultimately winning the Triple Crown.
  4. Rachel Alexandra: In 2009, Rachel Alexandra became the first filly to win the Preakness Stakes in 85 years, with an impressive performance that saw her win by over 20 lengths. She went on to be named Horse of the Year for her outstanding performances that year.
  5. Seabiscuit: In 1938, Seabiscuit won the Preakness Stakes in a thrilling race that saw him come from behind to beat the heavily favored War Admiral. The victory cemented Seabiscuit’s status as a racing legend and inspired a generation of fans during the Great Depression.

These are just a few of the many Preakness legends that have captivated horse racing fans over the years. The race continues to be one of the most important and exciting events in American sports, and each year, new legends are made on the track.

Preakness Stakes Fun Facts

About the Preakness Stakes – Traditions

The Preakness Stakes has a number of longstanding traditions that have become an integral part of the race’s history and lore. Here are some fun facts about the Preakness Stakes and some of the most famous Preakness Stakes traditions:

  1. Black-Eyed Susans: The official drink of the Preakness Stakes is the Black-Eyed Susan, which is made with vodka, St. Germain, orange juice, and pineapple juice. The drink is traditionally served in a souvenir glass.
  2. InfieldFest: The Preakness Stakes has become known for its InfieldFest, which is a giant music festival that takes place in the infield of the track during the race. The festival features top musical acts, food, drinks, and other attractions.
  3. The Woodlawn Vase: The Woodlawn Vase is a large silver trophy that is presented to the winner of the Preakness Stakes each year. The trophy is one of the oldest sports trophies in America, and is valued at over $4 million.
  4. The Alibi Breakfast: The day before the Preakness Stakes, a traditional Alibi Breakfast is held, where trainers and jockeys gather to give humorous excuses for their horse’s poor performances in previous races.
  5. The Preakness Walkover: The day of the race, the horses are led in a traditional walkover from the barn area to the paddock, where they are saddled up for the race. This is a chance for fans to see the horses up close and get a sense of the excitement building for the race.

These are just a few of the many traditions associated with the Preakness Stakes. Each year, fans and participants alike look forward to these and other time-honored customs that make the race so special.

About the Preakness Stakes – Movies

While there are many movies about horse racing and the Triple Crown, there are relatively few films specifically about the Preakness Stakes. However, the race has been featured in several films and TV shows as a key part of horse racing history. Here are some fun facts about the Preakness Stakes and a few of the most famous movies about it:

  1. Seabiscuit: The 2003 film Seabiscuit tells the story of the legendary racehorse and his rivalry with War Admiral, which culminated in the 1938 Preakness Stakes. The film stars Tobey Maguire, Jeff Bridges, and Chris Cooper.
  2. Secretariat: The 2010 film Secretariat tells the story of the famous racehorse who won the Triple Crown in 1973, including his victory in the Preakness Stakes. The film stars Diane Lane and John Malkovich.
  3. Ruffian: The 2007 TV movie Ruffian tells the story of the famous filly who won her first 10 races before suffering a catastrophic injury in a match race against Foolish Pleasure. The film includes a dramatization of her victory in the 1975 Preakness Stakes.
  4. The First Saturday in May: The 2007 documentary The First Saturday in May follows six trainers and their horses as they prepare for the 2006 Kentucky Derby, which is the first leg of the Triple Crown. The film also covers the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes.

These are just a few examples of the many films and TV shows that have featured the Preakness Stakes as part of their stories. While there may not be many movies specifically about the race, its place in horse racing history ensures that it will continue to be a part of popular culture for years to come.

Other Interesting Things About the Preakness Stakes – Quotes

The Preakness Stakes has inspired many memorable quotes over the years, from famous jockeys and trainers to beloved writers and celebrities. In addition to the fun facts about the Preakness Stakes, here are a few notable quotes about it:

  1. “The Preakness is one of those special races. It’s one of the few races where the crowd is just electric.” – Bob Baffert, Hall of Fame racehorse trainer
  2. “The Preakness is the race that always makes the Kentucky Derby winner a legitimate contender for the Triple Crown.” – Tom Pedulla, journalist and author
  3. “The Preakness is a classic race, and it has a wonderful place in the history of the sport.” – Eddie Arcaro, Hall of Fame jockey
  4. “Winning the Preakness Stakes is one of the highlights of my career. It’s an amazing feeling to be part of horse racing history.” – Gary Stevens, Hall of Fame jockey
  5. “The Preakness Stakes is the second jewel of the Triple Crown, and it’s always exciting to see which horse will emerge as the front-runner.” – Mike Smith, Hall of Fame jockey

These quotes reflect the importance and excitement of the Preakness Stakes as a crucial part of the Triple Crown and a defining moment in the sport of horse racing.

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Preakness Stakes Fun Facts

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