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The Preakness Stakes gallops into action every third Saturday in May, falling on May 16, 2026. As the second jewel of the Triple Crown, this historic thoroughbred horse race at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore draws fans from around the globe. Get ready to cheer on top contenders, don your finest race-day attire, and savor the excitement of this iconic event.
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Expected Preakness Stakes Deals
As the Preakness Stakes approaches, fans can anticipate a flurry of promotions and deals from brands looking to capitalize on the excitement of horse racing’s second jewel. In past years, major sports retailers like Fanatics and Dick’s Sporting Goods have offered discounts on official event merchandise, jockey silks, and equestrian gear. Local Baltimore establishments, including bars and restaurants, often feature race-day specials on food and drinks, with many offering themed cocktails like the ‘Black-Eyed Susan.’ Beverage brands such as Maker’s Mark and Stella Artois, frequent sponsors of major racing events, may run sweepstakes or exclusive offers. Additionally, fashion brands like Brooks Brothers or hat designers might promote race-day attire. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as May 16 approaches.
Platform Guide for Preakness Stakes
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #PreaknessStakes. Share your race-day fashion, trackside experiences, or winning picks.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #PreaknessStakes. Film your Preakness party preparations, favorite horse facts, or a ‘get ready with me’ for race day.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #PreaknessStakes. Tweet live updates, reactions to the race, and engage with fellow horse racing enthusiasts.
Preakness Stakes Hero
Frank A. Bonsal Jr.
History of Preakness Stakes
The start of the summer is the beginning of the fanciest outdoor events, and one such event is the Preakness Stakes. This event boasts the crème de la crème of horse racing, touching the hearts of equestrians across America and the world at large. It is held at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, a racetrack strictly for thoroughbreds.
For those who don’t know, thoroughbred horses are the best horses for racing that you could ever find. Why you may ask? Well, thoroughbred horses are crossbreds of native mares and oriental stallions. They entered the scene between the 17th and 18th centuries with the three oriental stallions — the Byerley Turk, the Darley Arabian, and the Godolphin Arabian — being imported to England.
Gaining popularity in the centuries to come, nearly 100,000 foals are now registered each year. These superior racing horses are often used for flat racing but can also be used for show jumping, dressage, polo, and fox hunting.
Flat racing is the most common form of horse racing carried out on oval-shaped, leveled tracks with turf variations. Pimlico Race Course had its grand opening in 1870 with the Dinner Party Stakes and 12,000 people in attendance. The Preakness colt was the winning horse of this race, and three years later, the Preakness Stakes came to be, named after the first winning horse at Pimlico.
It was the first major thoroughbred racing event that paved the way for two other major horse racing events — the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes. Today, we now know these three events as the Triple Crown. Preakness Stakes is a Grade 1 filly race, ran for 9.5 furlongs on dirt, held annually on the third Saturday in May.
Preakness Stakes timeline
Flat Racing is introduced, beginning in Smithfield, London.
The first three oriental stallions — the Byerley Turk, the Darley Arabian, and the Godolphin Arabian — are imported to breed thoroughbreds.
The colt Preakness wins the first-ever event at the Pimlico Race Course, during the Dinner Party Stakes.
The Preakness Stakes horse racing event is established and named after Preakness.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Preakness Stakes
Local businesses can gallop into the Preakness Stakes spirit by hosting themed events and offering special promotions. Restaurants and bars in Baltimore can feature ‘Black-Eyed Susan’ cocktail specials and race-day menus, encouraging patrons to watch the race. Retailers might curate collections of race-day attire, including hats and formal wear, or offer discounts on horse-themed merchandise. Businesses can also organize watch parties with sweepstakes for gift cards or merchandise, creating a festive atmosphere for customers.
Preakness Stakes FAQs
When is Preakness Stakes?
In 2027, the Preakness Stakes will be held on Saturday, May 15. This annual event always falls on the third Saturday in May, drawing thousands of fans to witness thoroughbred history.
How many people attend the Preakness Stakes?
Historically, the Preakness Stakes is one of the most attended single-day sporting events in the U.S., with crowds regularly topping 100,000. The atmosphere is always electric with fans cheering on their favorite horses.
What is the economic impact of the Preakness Stakes?
Beyond the track, the Preakness Stakes is a major economic driver, supporting thousands of jobs and bringing substantial revenue to the region. Its presence boosts local commerce, from hotels to restaurants and retail.
What is the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing?
To win the Triple Crown, a three-year-old thoroughbred must win the Kentucky Derby (first Saturday in May), the Preakness Stakes (third Saturday in May), and the Belmont Stakes (first or second Saturday in June). It’s a rare feat, last achieved in 2018.
Preakness Stakes Activities
Attend the event
You’ll enjoy the event more by attending in person. This is why you should take some time out with family and friends this fine Saturday to attend. If you find yourself in the Baltimore area at this time, you cannot afford to miss this prestigious event!
Watch the event
If you cannot make the event in person, don’t feel left out. There are several sporting channels on T.V. and streaming services where you can watch the event. It’s no fun watching alone, so make sure you invite some friends over and organize some friendly betting games.
Go horse riding
Ultimately, this event appreciates horse riding at its best. So another great way you can mark the day is by visiting nearby stables and going for a horse ride. If you are clueless about riding, this also presents the perfect opportunity to learn a new hobby.
5 Interesting Facts About Preakness Stakes
Its gift is a blanket
The winning horse at the Preakness Stakes is draped in the Black-Eyed Susan Blanket, which is a blanket covered in Viking poms.
It wasn’t always observed after the Derby
Before 1969, the Preakness Stakes was run on the same day as the Kentucky Derby on two occasions and ran before it 11 times.
The purse wasn’t always as large
The purse for the event is now a whopping $1.5 million, although it started at $2,050.
It’s never held on a Sunday
Since 1931, the event has been held on Saturday afternoon, but before then it was scheduled on any other day of the week except on a Sunday.
One color takes the lead
Most of the winning horses of the Preakness Stakes have been bay in color.
Why We Love Preakness Stakes
It’s an interesting event
Horse riding in itself is an interesting sport, and an even more interesting hobby to have. Horse riding events attract the attention of thousands of people each year and are generally an intriguing way to spend your leisure time.
It encourages a sport
The Preakness Stakes not only encourages individuals to participate in horse riding events but also gives attention to the sport of horse riding itself. This is a great skill to have, and this event piques interest in the sport.
It’s named after a winning horse
One of the most interesting facts about this event you may come across is the origin of its name. We particularly love that story because it acknowledges the first-ever winning horse at the Pimlico Race Course, and gives it due recognition.
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