Preakness Stakes: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Preakness Stakes (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Preakness Stakes is celebrated on May 20th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Preakness Stakes, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as captivating facts you might want to know about Preakness Stakes.

📅 What day is Preakness Stakes 2024?

In 2024, Preakness Stakes is on Saturday, May 20th. It is the 3rd Saturday in May; in 2024, it is Monday. There are until the next observance. You also can explore all the exciting details and facts about May 20, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

The Preakness Stakes is an annual horse racing event held on the third Saturday in May, with this year’s date being May 20. It takes place at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. This race has been a tradition for over 100 years and attracts a diverse and interesting crowd. Thoroughbred horses, which are considered the best in racing, compete at this prestigious venue. The Preakness Stakes is the second race in the Triple Crown, following the Kentucky Derby and preceding the Belmont Stakes.

📜 Preakness Stakes History

Thoroughbreds are considered the best racehorses due to their origins in crossbreeding local mares with oriental stallions. In the 17th and 18th centuries, three horses from Asia, namely the Byerley Turk, the Darley Arabian, and the Godolphin Arabian, were brought to England. Since then, thoroughbreds have gained immense popularity, with around 100,000 foals registered annually.

These exceptional racehorses are not only used for flat racing but also for other equestrian sports such as fox hunting, polo, show jumping, dressage, and more.

Flat racing, which takes place on oval, leveled courses with various turf types, is the most popular form of horse racing. Pimlico Race Course officially opened in 1870 with the Dinner Party Stakes, attracting 12,000 spectators. The Preakness colt emerged victorious in this race, leading to the creation of the Preakness Stakes three years later, named after the first winner at Pimlico.

These events, along with the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes, form the prestigious “Triple Crown” of thoroughbred racing. The Preakness Stakes is a Grade 1 filly event held on dirt over a distance of 9.5 furlongs every third Saturday in May.

✅ Preakness Stakes Facts

🔖 It wasn’t always observed after the Derby
Before 1969, the Preakness Stakes used to take place on the same day as the Kentucky Derby, along with 11 other times throughout its history.

🔖 The purse wasn’t always as large
The prize money for the tournament has increased to $1.5 million, which is a significant rise from the initial amount of $2,050.

🔖 Its gift is a blanket
The victor of the Preakness Stakes is adorned with a special Black-Eyed Susan blanket, featuring Viking poms as its decorative elements.

👍 Why Is Preakness Stakes Important

Horseback riding is an intriguing activity in and of itself, as well as an even more intriguing pastime.Horse riding activities draw thousands of people each year and are often an interesting way to spend your free time.

The Preakness Stakes not only encourages people to engage in horse racing activities, but it also draws attention to the sport of horseback riding. This is an excellent ability to have, and the event raises awareness of the sport.

One of the most intriguing things about this event is the story behind its name. We really like that narrative because it recognizes and honors the first-ever winning horse at Pimlico Race Course.

🙂 How To Observe Preakness Stakes

⚡ Go horse riding

⚡ Attend the event
If you’re in the Baltimore region, it’s highly recommended that you join us at the event this Saturday in order to have a more enjoyable experience. Don’t miss out on this renowned event and make sure to bring your family and friends along!

⚡ Watch the event
Finally, this festival celebrates the best of horseback riding. Another fantastic way to celebrate the day is to go for a horseback ride at a local stable. If you’ve never ridden before, this is an excellent opportunity to get started.

📅 When is Preakness Stakes?

See all 🔗 May holidays, including 🔗 Special Interest and other 🔗 Activities holidays.

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