“Today, the Preakness Stakes is an important part of American sports culture, and it is one of the most important horse racing events in the world. “
Discover the Rich History and Traditions of the Second Leg of the Triple Crown: the Preakness Stakes
The Preakness Stakes is one of the most important horse racing events in the world, and it has a long and fascinating history that dates back more than 140 years. The race is held annually on the third Saturday in May at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, and it is the second leg of the Triple Crown, which also includes the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes.
The history of the Preakness Stakes begins in 1868, when the first Preakness Stakes race was held at Pimlico Race Course. The race was named after a famous racehorse named Preakness, who was named after a Native American word meaning “marshy place.” The first Preakness Stakes was a mile and a half long, and it was won by a horse named Survivor.
In the early years of the Preakness Stakes, the race was not as popular as it is today. In fact, the race was not held for several years in the late 1800s due to financial difficulties faced by the organizers. However, in 1909, the Maryland Jockey Club took over the event and transformed it into one of the premier horse racing events in the country.
Over the years, the Preakness Stakes has been the site of many historic moments in horse racing. In 1918, a horse named War Cloud became the first horse to win the race after the start was delayed due to World War I. In 1925, a horse named Flying Ebony became the first African American-owned horse to win the race.
One of the most famous moments in Preakness Stakes history occurred in 1938, when a horse named Seabiscuit won the race in front of a crowd of more than 40,000 spectators. Seabiscuit was an underdog going into the race, but he managed to pull off an incredible upset and win the race by a nose.
In the 1960s and 1970s, the Preakness Stakes was dominated by legendary horses like Secretariat, who won the race in 1973 with a record-breaking time of 1:53, a record that still stands today. In 1978, the Preakness Stakes was the site of one of the most dramatic moments in horse racing history, when a horse named Affirmed won the race by a nose, completing the second leg of the Triple Crown.
In recent years, the Preakness Stakes has continued to be a popular and important horse racing event. In 2015, the race was won by a horse named American Pharoah, who went on to win the Triple Crown, becoming the first horse to do so since 1978.
Today, the Preakness Stakes is an important part of American sports culture, and it is one of the most important horse racing events in the world. The race is known for its rich history and traditions, including the playing of “Maryland, My Maryland,” a state song that is played before the start of the race.
In addition to the race itself, the Preakness Stakes is also known for its unique and colorful traditions. One of the most famous traditions is the painting of the Woodlawn Vase, a sterling silver trophy that is awarded to the winner of the race. The vase is painted every year by a team of artists, who use a special technique to create a beautiful and unique design.
Another famous tradition associated with the Preakness Stakes is the Black-Eyed Susan, a cocktail that is named after the official flower of the race. The cocktail is made with vodka, whiskey, and various juices, and it is often served to spectators at the race.
