The anticipation is building as horse racing enthusiasts gear up for the second leg of the prestigious Triple Crown: the Preakness Stakes. Following Mystik Dan’s thrilling victory at the Kentucky Derby, all eyes are turning to the Preakness to see if this talented colt can continue his journey towards Triple Crown glory. For fans planning to witness this exhilarating event in person or simply wanting to know the heart of the action, the burning question is: Where Is The Preakness 2024?
This article will provide you with all the essential details about the location of the Preakness Stakes, along with crucial information on the schedule, how to watch, and what to expect at this legendary race.
Pimlico Race Course: The Historic Home of the Preakness Stakes
The Preakness Stakes has a rich history and a strong sense of place, deeply rooted in Baltimore, Maryland. Since its inception in 1873, with only a few exceptions in its early years, the Preakness Stakes is held at Pimlico Race Course. This iconic race track, often affectionately called “Old Hilltop,” provides the traditional backdrop for this thrilling event.
Pimlico Race Course is located in Baltimore City, at 5201 Park Heights Ave, Baltimore, MD 21215. For over 150 years, Pimlico has been synonymous with the Preakness Stakes, creating a unique atmosphere that blends sporting excitement with historical significance. On Preakness Day, Pimlico Race Course transforms into a vibrant hub, capable of hosting around 110,000 spectators, all eager to witness racing history unfold.
Preakness Stakes 2024: Dates and Race Day Schedule
The Preakness Stakes is more than just one race; it’s a weekend-long festival of horse racing. The excitement kicks off with Black-Eyed Susan Day on Friday, May 17th, featuring the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes, a prestigious race for three-year-old fillies.
Preakness Day itself is Saturday, May 18th, 2024. The gates open early, and the first race of the day starts at 10:30 a.m. ET. A full schedule of races leads up to the main event – the 149th Preakness Stakes, which is scheduled for 6:50 p.m. ET. For those planning to attend or follow the races closely, the complete Preakness Day schedule is available on the Pimlico Race Course website.
How to Watch the Preakness Stakes 2024
Even if you can’t be at Pimlico Race Course in person, you won’t miss any of the action. NBC is the official broadcaster of the Preakness Stakes, providing live coverage starting at 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 18th.
For comprehensive Preakness Day coverage, including the races leading up to the main event, tune into CNBC and stream on Peacock from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET. You can also stream the entire Preakness Day broadcast on Peacock, NBCSports.com, and the NBC Sports app, ensuring you catch every moment of this thrilling day of racing. Don’t forget to catch Black-Eyed Susan Day coverage on Peacock starting at 4:30 p.m. ET on Friday, May 17th.
Horses to Watch: Mystik Dan and the Preakness Field
The biggest story heading into the Preakness Stakes 2024 is the presence of Mystik Dan. Fresh off his Kentucky Derby victory, Mystik Dan, trained by Kenny McPeek, is aiming to take the second step towards the Triple Crown.
While Mystik Dan is a major contender and captured the imagination of fans at the Derby, he faces stiff competition. Renowned trainer Bob Baffert, absent from the Kentucky Derby, returns to the Preakness with strong contenders, including Imagination. While Muth, initially the favorite, was scratched, Imagination remains a horse to watch.
Current post positions for the 2024 Preakness Stakes are as follows:
- Mugatu
- Uncle Heavy
- Catching Freedom
- Mystik Dan
- Seize The Grey
- Just Steel
- Tuscan Gold
- Imagination
The Rich Purse of the Preakness Stakes
Beyond the prestige and tradition, the Preakness Stakes also boasts a substantial prize. The total purse for the 2024 Preakness Stakes is $2 million. This impressive sum is equal to the purse of the Belmont Stakes, the final leg of the Triple Crown, though it is less than the Kentucky Derby’s substantial $5 million purse. The lucrative prize money adds another layer of intensity to this already high-stakes race.
Conclusion
So, to definitively answer the question, the Preakness 2024 is at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. Mark your calendars for May 18th, and prepare for a day of thrilling horse racing action. Whether you are at Pimlico or watching from home, the Preakness Stakes promises to be a memorable event in the world of sports.
