The Preakness Stakes, a prestigious and highly anticipated event in American horse racing, forms the second jewel in the coveted Triple Crown. Held annually in mid-May, this thrilling race draws attention from fans and bettors alike, but for those new to the sport, a common question arises: Where Is The Preakness actually run?
The Preakness Stakes takes place at Pimlico Race Course, located in the vibrant city of Baltimore, Maryland, in the United States. This historic racetrack has been the traditional home of the Preakness since its inception in 1873, with a few notable exceptions in its early years. Pimlico, often affectionately nicknamed “Old Hilltop,” provides the perfect stage for this 1 3/16-mile (approximately 1,900-meter) flat race for three-year-old Thoroughbred horses.
While the Kentucky Derby kicks off the Triple Crown and the Belmont Stakes concludes it, the Preakness holds its own unique charm and traditions at its Baltimore home. As the shortest of the three Triple Crown races, the Preakness often tests the speed and agility of the competing horses in a different way compared to the Derby and Belmont. Fillies in the race carry 121 pounds (55 kg), while colts are assigned 126 pounds (57 kg), leveling the playing field for an exciting contest.
The history of the Preakness Stakes is deeply intertwined with Pimlico Race Course, but its location wasn’t always guaranteed. Established at Pimlico in 1873, the race was named in honor of the horse “Preakness,” who had won the Dinner Party Stakes at Pimlico during its inaugural year in 1870. However, for a period in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Preakness ventured away from its Baltimore origins.
In 1889, the Preakness was temporarily suspended at Pimlico. In 1890, it was moved to Morris Park in Westchester County, New York. Following a three-year hiatus from 1891 to 1893, the race returned in 1894, but this time at the Gravesend track in Brooklyn, New York. This relocation persisted until 1908. Finally, in 1909, the Preakness Stakes triumphantly returned to Maryland, permanently settling at Pimlico Race Course, where it has remained ever since, solidifying Baltimore as its true home.
Beyond the thrilling race itself, the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico is renowned for its distinctive traditions, adding to the overall spectacle and atmosphere. One such tradition is the singing of “Maryland, My Maryland,” the official state song, creating a sense of local pride and pageantry. Another visually striking tradition is the “painting of the colors.” Immediately after the official winner announcement, a painter ascends a ladder to the top of a replica Old Clubhouse and applies the winning team’s silks colors to the jockey-and-horse weather vane atop the cupola.
Perhaps the most iconic tradition is the draping of the winning horse with a blanket of “black-eyed Susans.” Despite black-eyed Susans being Maryland’s state flower and typically blooming in June or July, yellow daisies are used instead. Cleverly, their centers are hand-painted with black lacquer to perfectly mimic the black-eyed Susan, creating a beautiful and symbolic garland for the victor. Reflecting the Kentucky Derby’s “Run for the Roses” nickname, the Preakness is affectionately known as “the Run for the Black-Eyed Susans,” further connecting the race to its Maryland location and traditions at Pimlico.
The Preakness Stakes, therefore, is not just a race; it’s an experience deeply rooted in Baltimore, Maryland, at the historic Pimlico Race Course. Understanding where is the Preakness held is key to appreciating its rich history, unique traditions, and its significant place within the American horse racing landscape. For those seeking the thrill of the Triple Crown and the charm of Maryland hospitality, Pimlico Race Course is the destination to witness the Run for the Black-Eyed Susans.
