The Preakness Stakes, a thrilling 1 3/16-mile flat race for three-year-old Thoroughbred horses, is a highly anticipated event in American horse racing. But for those new to the sport or planning to attend, a crucial question arises: Where Is The Preakness Held? The answer is Pimlico Race Course, located in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. This historic track is the annual home of the Preakness Stakes, hosting the race in mid-May each year.
Pimlico Race Course, often affectionately nicknamed “Old Hilltop,” is not just any racetrack; it’s a landmark steeped in horse racing history. Since 1873, with a few exceptions in its early years, Pimlico has been the consistent location for the Preakness Stakes. This makes Baltimore synonymous with the second jewel of the coveted Triple Crown, nestled between the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes. Fillies in the Preakness carry 121 pounds (55 kg), while colts carry 126 pounds (57 kg), adding to the competitive balance of this prestigious race.
The Preakness Stakes’ history is intimately linked with Pimlico. Established at Pimlico in 1873, the race itself is named after the horse “Preakness,” who triumphed in the Dinner Party Stakes at Pimlico’s inaugural year in 1870. Interestingly, the Preakness wasn’t always exclusively at Pimlico. From 1889, the race saw a period of relocation. In 1890, it was run at Morris Park in Westchester County, New York. Following a three-year hiatus, the race returned in 1894 but found a temporary home at the Gravesend track in Brooklyn, New York, until 1908. Finally, in 1909, the Preakness Stakes made its definitive return to Maryland, settling permanently at Pimlico Race Course, solidifying its Baltimore location.
Attending the Preakness at Pimlico is more than just witnessing a horse race; it’s experiencing unique traditions deeply rooted in Maryland culture. One such tradition is the singing of “Maryland, My Maryland,” the state’s official song, creating a powerful atmosphere. Another iconic tradition is the “painting of the colours.” Immediately after the winner is declared, a painter ascends a ladder to the replica Old Clubhouse and applies the winning team’s silks colours to the jockey-and-horse weather vane atop the cupola. Perhaps the most visually striking tradition is the draping of the winning horse with a blanket of “black-eyed Susans.” Despite black-eyed Susans blooming later in the year, yellow daisies are cleverly used, with their centers hand-painted black to resemble the Maryland state flower. Reflecting the Kentucky Derby’s “Run for the Roses” moniker, the Preakness is affectionately known as “the Run for the Black-Eyed Susans,” further connecting the race and its location to regional symbolism.
In conclusion, the answer to “where is the Preakness held?” is definitively Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. This historic venue is not just the physical location but also the heart and soul of the Preakness Stakes, contributing to its rich history, unique traditions, and enduring appeal as a premier event in horse racing and a highlight of Maryland’s cultural calendar.
