The “Preakness Stakes” has been an iconic part of American horse racing since its introduction at Pimlico in 1873, two years before the “Kentucky Derby” debuted.
Named after a colt that won the Dinner Party Stakes at Pimlico’s grand opening, the race has become a defining event in Maryland’s racing history. Initially, the Preakness was run over a distance of 1.5 miles but has since evolved into a must-watch race as the second jewel of the Triple Crown.
A Storied History
The first Preakness Stakes was won by Survivor, who secured a comfortable victory by 10 lengths. This margin remained the largest until 2004, when Smarty Jones set a new record, winning by 11.5 lengths.
Over the years, the race has occasionally shifted locations, with stints in New York and Coney Island before returning to Pimlico in 1909. During these moves, the race was sometimes run under handicap conditions, meaning favored horses carried extra weight to even the playing field.
Despite these changes, Pimlico has remained the heart of the Preakness Stakes for most of its history.
Attendance and Challenges
The “Preakness Stakes” consistently ranks second in North America in terms of attendance, trailing only the Kentucky Derby. Despite its popularity, the future of the Preakness at Pimlico has faced uncertainty.
In 2009, Pimlico’s owner, Magna Entertainment, filed for bankruptcy, raising concerns about relocating the race. While the Maryland Legislature secured plans to keep the race in Baltimore, questions about Pimlico’s infrastructure persisted.
By 2017, the Maryland Stadium Authority estimated the racecourse needed $250 million in renovations, but no clear financial backers emerged.
Pimlico’s Future and Upcoming Changes
In 2019, a significant deal was reached between The Stronach Group, the city of Baltimore, and Maryland horsemen to keep the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico. As part of the agreement, Pimlico’s grandstand will be demolished and rebuilt with temporary seating added for the race.
The Maryland Stadium Authority received approval in 2020 to issue $375 million in bonds to renovate both Pimlico and Laurel Park.
However, construction plans mean that in 2026, the “Preakness Stakes” will temporarily move to Laurel Park before returning to a revamped Pimlico in 2027. The 2020 edition of the race was also historic as it was postponed until October due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with no spectators allowed for safety reasons.
