Preakness Stakes: Your 2024 Guide.The 149th Preakness Stakes: A Guide to the “Middle Jewel” of Horse Racing’s Triple Crown

The thunder of hooves and the roar of the crowd return to Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, for the 149th running of the Preakness Stakes. Held in mid-May, it’s the second jewel in horse racing’s Triple Crown. Coming after the Kentucky Derby, it precedes the Belmont Stakes. Preakness Stakes: Your 2024 Guide

Want to know everything about the 2024 Preakness Stakes? This guide’s got you covered! Find the date, time, how to watch, betting odds, horse racing, and even the weather forecast. All in a few clicks!

When is the Preakness Stakes?

 

Date: Saturday, May 18, 2024

Post Time: Approximately 6:50 PM Eastern Time (ET)

TV Coverage: The race will be televised nationally on NBC, with pre-race coverage starting at 1:30 PM ET.

Streaming Options: The Preakness Stakes will also be streamed live on Peacock, NBCSports.com, and the NBC Sports app.

How to Watch the Preakness Stakes

 

In Person: Witness the excitement firsthand by attending the race at Pimlico Race Course.

On Television: Tune in to NBC for comprehensive coverage of the Preakness Stakes, including pre-race analysis, interviews with jockeys and trainers, and the thrilling race itself

Streaming Services: For a cord-cutter-friendly option, stream the race live on Peacock, NBCSports.com, or the NBC Sports app with a valid subscription.

Betting on the Preakness Stakes: Odds and Favorites

 

The Preakness Stakes offers many betting opportunities for casual and seasoned horse racing enthusiasts. Here’s what you need to know:

Betting Platforms: Numerous online and in-person sports betting platforms will offer odds and lines for the Preakness Stakes. Researching reputable platforms and comparing odds is crucial for maximizing your potential winnings.

Current Favorites: The 2024 Preakness Stakes lineup isn’t official yet, but the buzz is strong! Kentucky Derby champ Mystik Dan is a likely frontrunner. Keep an eye out for other potential favorites too, like Epicenter, Rich Strike, and Mo Donegal, based on their recent hot streaks.

Understanding Odds: Betting odds indicate the likelihood of a horse winning the race and the potential payout you can receive. Lower odds signify a higher chance of winning but a smaller payout, while longer odds offer a bigger potential reward but a lower probability of success.

The Horses of the 149th Preakness Stakes

The official field for the Preakness Stakes typically consists of 14 horses, with Kentucky Derby participants often vying for another shot at Triple Crown glory.

Key Factors: Picking a Preakness winner? Look beyond the names! Consider a horse’s recent races, past runs at Pimlico (the racecourse), how they typically run, and even their fit with the jockey.

Stay Updated: As the race date approaches, watch for official announcements regarding the confirmed field of horses and their jockeys. Reputable racing websites and news outlets will provide updates on jockey selections and any late scratches.

Weather Forecast for the Preakness Stakes

 

Baltimore’s Climate: Baltimore typically experiences mild temperatures and moderate humidity in mid-May.

Checking Forecasts: Closer to the race date, monitor weather forecasts for possible rain or wind that could impact the track conditions and racing strategies.

Beyond the Race: The Excitement of Preakness Weekend
The Preakness Stakes is more than just a thrilling horse race – it’s a celebration of tradition, fashion, and Southern hospitality.

Festivities: Preakness Weekend is a festive affair with events leading up to the main race. Black-Eyed Susan Day, held on the Friday before the Preakness, features a thrilling card of stakes races and vibrant social gatherings.

Fashion: Preakness Stakes fashion is iconic, with attendees showcasing their finest attire, including elaborate hats and Southern-inspired outfits.

A Legacy of Racing Excellence: The History of the Preakness Stakes

 

The Preakness Stakes boasts a rich history dating back to 1873. Here’s a glimpse into its legacy:

Early Years: Established by William Coleman Jr., the Preakness Stakes was originally run for three-year-old colts.

Triple Crown Significance: In 1937, the Preakness Stakes became the second leg of the Triple Crown, adding to its prestige and attracting the top racehorses

A Legacy of Racing Excellence: The History of the Preakness Stakes

 

The Preakness Stakes isn’t just a heart-pounding spectacle of thoroughbred racing; it’s a woven tapestry rich in tradition and sporting significance. To fully appreciate the excitement of the 149th running, let’s delve into the fascinating history of this legendary race.

From Humble Beginnings to National Spotlight (1873-1900)

 

In 1873, William Coleman Jr., a Maryland businessman with a passion for horse racing, envisioned a prestigious race for three-year-old colts at Pimlico Race Course. He named the race after Preakness, a winning colt he admired, unknowingly laying the foundation for a future national treasure.

The inaugural Preakness Stakes, with a purse of $3,000, attracted a modest field of five horses. Survivor, a longshot ridden by future Hall of Fame jockey Charlie Holloway, emerged victorious. Over the next few decades, the race gradually gained recognition, attracting horses and jockeys from across the country. By the turn of the 20th century, the Preakness Stakes had established itself as a premier event in American thoroughbred racing.

The Rise of the Triple Crown and Defining Moments (1901-1946)

 

The early 20th century witnessed a pivotal development that cemented the Preakness Stakes’ place in racing history. The concept of the Triple Crown, where a horse wins the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes in the same year, began to capture the imagination of fans and horsemen alike.

Sir Barton, in 1919, became the first horse to achieve Triple Crown glory, forever etching his name and the Preakness Stakes into racing lore. Throughout the following decades, legendary horses like Gallant Man (1930), Omaha (1935), and Count Fleet (1943) accomplished the feat, further solidifying the Preakness Stakes’ significance in the Triple Crown pursuit.