The Ultimate Guide: 15 Preakness Facts

Introduction:

In the world of horse racing, the Preakness Stakes stands out as one of the most prestigious events. This race, which is held on the third Saturday of May each year at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, is the second leg of the American Triple Crown. It has a long and storied history, filled with exciting moments, legendary horses, and fascinating facts. In this ultimate guide, we will explore 15 Preakness facts that every horse racing enthusiast should know.

Fact 1: The Inaugural Race

The first Preakness Stakes took place in 1873, making it one of the oldest continuously run horse races in the United States. The inaugural race was won by a horse named Survivor, who took home a purse of $2,050.

Fact 2: The Black-Eyed Susans

One of the most well-known traditions of the Preakness Stakes is the blanket of Black-Eyed Susans that is draped over the winner. However, these flowers are not actually in bloom during the month of May, so the blanket is made up of a combination of Viking daisies, goldenrod, and black-eyed Susans.

Fact 3: The Fastest Time

The fastest time ever recorded in the Preakness Stakes was set by Secretariat in 1973. This legendary horse completed the race in an astonishing 1:53 minutes, a record that still stands to this day.

Fact 4: The Most Wins

The record for the most Preakness Stakes wins by a jockey is held by Eddie Arcaro and George Barbee, who each won the race six times. Among trainers, Robert Wyndham Walden holds the record with seven wins.

Fact 5: The Smallest Field

The smallest field in Preakness Stakes history was in 1918 when only four horses competed. The race was won by War Cloud, who defeated his three competitors in what turned out to be a thrilling contest.

Fact 6: The Biggest Upset

One of the biggest upsets in Preakness Stakes history occurred in 2013 when Oxbow, a 15-1 long shot, won the race. Trained by Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas, Oxbow managed to hold off the favorite, Orb, to secure the victory.

Fact 7: The Triple Crown Winners

Since its inception, a total of 13 horses have won the Triple Crown, which includes victories in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes. Some of the most famous Triple Crown winners include Secretariat, Seattle Slew, and American Pharoah.

Fact 8: The Blanket of Black-Eyed Susans

As mentioned earlier, the Black-Eyed Susans blanket is a unique tradition of the Preakness Stakes. The blanket is made up of over 700 flowers and weighs about 40 pounds. It is created each year by a team of florists who work tirelessly to ensure it looks perfect for the winner.

Fact 9: The Woodlawn Vase

The Preakness Stakes trophy, known as the Woodlawn Vase, is one of the most valuable trophies in sports. Made of solid sterling silver, the vase is handcrafted and stands over two feet tall. It is awarded to the winning owner each year.

Fact 10: The Attendance Record

The record for the largest crowd in Preakness Stakes history was set in 2015 when over 131,000 fans packed into Pimlico Race Course to watch American Pharoah win the race. The atmosphere was electric, with fans cheering on the legendary horse as he crossed the finish line.

Fact 11: The War of 1918

In 1918, the Preakness Stakes faced a unique challenge due to World War I. The race was nearly canceled, but a group of Maryland horsemen came together to ensure it would go on. Despite the difficult circumstances, the race was held successfully, with War Cloud emerging as the victor.

Fact 12: The First Filly Winner

In 1903, a filly named Flocarline made history by becoming the first and only female horse to win the Preakness Stakes. Trained by Thomas J. Healey and ridden by jockey Henry J. Griffin, Flocarline’s victory remains a standout moment in the race’s history.

Fact 13: The Historic Dead Heat

The 1877 Preakness Stakes featured a historic dead heat between two horses, Ten Broeck and Tom Ochiltree. After a thrilling race, the judges were unable to declare a winner, leading to the first and only dead heat in Preakness Stakes history.

Fact 14: The Cancellation of 1890

In 1890, the Preakness Stakes was canceled due to financial difficulties faced by the Maryland Jockey Club. As a result, there was no race held that year, marking a rare occurrence in the event’s long and illustrious history.

Fact 15: The Record Purse

The highest purse ever awarded in the Preakness Stakes was $1.5 million in 2014. This lucrative prize money attracts top horses, trainers, and jockeys from around the world, all vying for a chance to claim victory in this prestigious race.

Conclusion

These 15 Preakness facts offer a glimpse into the rich history and exciting moments that have defined this iconic horse race over the years. From legendary winners to historic upsets, the Preakness Stakes continues to captivate fans and showcase the best of horse racing. Whether you’re a seasoned racing enthusiast or a casual fan, the Preakness Stakes is a must-watch event that never fails to deliver thrills, excitement, and unforgettable moments.