Maryland Gears Up for Historic 150th Preakness Stakes Celebration!

Baltimore, MD will again host one of the most significant horse racing tournaments in North American history. It’s the Preakness Stakes, the middle jewel of the revered Triple Crown, and Maryland’s oldest sports tradition. 

This year’s will be the 150th annual event of this historic race, and it has got horse racing fans buzzing in anticipation. As we prepare to watch skilled horses battle it out for glory in the spring, this article sums up all you need to know about the upcoming Preakness Stakes.

The Preakness Stakes Over the Years

The Preakness Stakes first thundered across the Pimlico Race Course in 1873. The race was named after a horse from Milton Holbrook Sanford’s Preakness Stud in New Jersey. 

This event has featured legendary performances and memorable experiences, and this year’s is set to be even bigger. The 2025 edition will be held on May 17, which is the third Saturday of the month, a tradition that has been passed on since the 1930s (except in 2020 when the race was delayed till October due to the pandemic). The Preakness Stakes has always been held two weeks after the Kentucky Derby and three weeks before the Belmont Stakes since 1932.

In past races, horse racing fans witnessed legends like Secretariat etch their names into the annals of horse racing history.  The iconic stallion, in particular, became the tournament’s most famous horse after it broke the record for the fastest race at the Preakness Stakes in 1973 when it ran for 1 minute and 53 seconds, a record that still stands to this day.

Last year’s tournament saw Seize the Grey, a three-year-old colt steered by Jamie Torress and trained by the legendary D. Wayne Lukas emerge as champion despite boasting the fifth-best odds to win. Seize the Grey saw off Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan and six other horses in muddy conditions to claim its first American Triple Crown race victory. It was Lukas’ seventh Preakness Stakes win as a trainer and 15th overall across all three major races. The win also made him the oldest trainer to win the Triple Crown race (88 years old).

This year’s race is expected to feature some of the finest horses in the country, with Mugatu, a four-year-old colt, currently having the best odds of winning. If you fancy your wagering opportunities, ensure to find out what you need to know about horse racing betting before placing a bet on the upcoming event.

Preakness Stakes Attendance

Being Maryland’s biggest sporting event, the Preakness Stakes has attracted thousands of spectators over the years. It is the second most attended equestrian event in North America, behind only the Kentucky Derby.

The event had its highest recorded attendance in 2017 as 180,000+ spectators watched. Attendance has since continued to drop, given the state of the aged Pimlico Race Course. According to reports, a combined 65,000 spectators watched the race last year, on par with previous years’ tallies, but well short of the marks the event hit in the late 2010s. 

Considering new plans for renovation, state officials could anticipate more attendance in the future. 

Plans for a More Glamorous Festival

Maryland’s Governor Wes Moore, alongside Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, announced last month an ambitious plan to turn the 150th Preakness into a festival for the ages.  This landmark event aims to celebrate Maryland’s horseracing tradition like never before and showcase the state’s hospitality and spirit to the world.

Maryland First Lady Dawn Moore is believed to be championing the course this year after being inspired by how Louisville celebrated the Kentucky Derby last year:

“I walked away very inspired like the state of Maryland could do something of our own, and honestly we could do it better,” Dawn Moore told reporters.

The festivities are set to span weeks before the race in hopes of creating a crescendo of excitement leading to the big day. There will be community events where local artists, musicians, and artisans come together. Attendees can also expect to witness epic concerts from renowned and local talents in Maryland.

The Maryland Sports Commission and the Sport & Entertainment Corporation of Maryland are the masterminds behind this grand plan and will aim to bring together the state’s love for racing with its vibrant cultural scene. According to reports, there’ll be a mix of free and ticketed events, ensuring everyone from racing fans to families looking for a day out can join in the fun.

Pimlico Race Course Renovation

Pimlico Race Course has been home to this iconic race since its opening in 1870. The old grandstand will take center stage for the last time this spring after state officials announced a planned renovation ahead of the 2026/27 Preakness Stakes. 

The Maryland Stadium Authority was awarded $400 million in state bonds for the transformation of this historic site that will feature state-of-the-art facilities. Alongside the racetrack, plans include a luxurious hotel, event spaces, stables for about 700 horses, and community-focused initiatives. They’re investing $10 million into housing, job training, and workforce development in Park Heights, the neighborhood that cradles Pimlico.

The redevelopment project is a comprehensive reboot for Pimlico, aiming to establish it as the year-round headquarters for Maryland’s thoroughbred racing. According to state officials, the renovation is set to boost Baltimore’s economy significantly. Horse racing fans can expect 140 to 160 racing days every year.

The Potential Economic Impact of Preakness 150

Beyond the horse racing and glamorous festivities, the Preakness Stakes 2025 is expected to contribute significantly to Baltimore’s economy. The last Preakness reportedly brought in over $50 million, but with this expanded celebration, one would expect the potential economic impact of this year’s event to dwarf previous years.

Maryland’s equine industry already generates around $3 billion in annual revenue and 28,000 new jobs as of 2024, according to CBS News. With the buzz surrounding Preakness 150, the festival is poised to bring in more money in 2025. Baltimore is expected to receive thousands of visitors, which would put lots of local businesses in the spotlight.

Looking Ahead

With just a few months to go, Maryland is on the starting blocks. Every detail, from the race itself to the myriad of events surrounding it, is meticulously planned to ensure that the 150th Preakness Stakes is one for the books.

Are you a racing enthusiast, a history buff, or just looking for a good time? Baltimore is the place to be in May 2025. Stay tuned for more updates as we count down to this monumental celebration.