Preakness Stakes Tickets

Preakness Stakes was first inaugurated in the spring of 1873. It was named by the former Governor of Maryland, Oden Bowie to honor the colt Preakness from Milton Holbrook Sanford Preakness Stables in Preakness Wayne Township, New Jersey. Dinner Party Stakes was won by the colt on the day Pamlico first premiered in 1870. There were seven starters in the first Preakness held in 1873.  The game was won by My Sheba from John Chamberlain by galloping 10 lengths easily.  This record was broken in 2004 by Smarty Jones who galloped 11 lengths.

Preakness Stakes is much more than a mere horse race. It takes us back to the past traditions and good old days when life was much simpler. Although some traditions of the game has changed with the passage of time, but mostly Preakness Stakes have resumed its old world charm. The official song of Maryland "Maryland, My Maryland" is sung at the beginning. After the race, as soon as the winner is announced, the painter climbs the replica of the old Clubhouse Cupola. He paints the inbuilt horse and rider with the color of the winner jockeys robes. The winner is also awarded with the Woodlawn Vase. As soon as the winner for Preakness Stakes is announced, speculation starts as to if it would win the Kentucky Derby Stake and other upcoming stakes. 

Preakness Stakes is also known as "the run for the black eyed Susan" and the winning horse is presented with the blanket of black eyed Susan around the neck. But the interesting thing is that the flower Black Eyed Susan blooms in late June or July, as a result no Black Eyed Susan has ever been used in the game. Other flowers are used and presented in the cover-up of Black Eyed Susan. The number of horses to take part in the race has varied during the years. In 1918, 26 horses took part in the game and two winners were announced. At present, 14 horses are allowed to take part in the game. 

The highest Preakness speed scores were made by Curlin in 2007, Tank’s Prospect in 1985, Gate Dancer in 1984, Louis Quatorze in 1996 and Summer Squall in 1990. Smarty Jones is the winner and record holder until now for running the highest number of lengths, which are 11. Prior to him, this honor was with My Sheba for 10 lengths. Eddie Arcaro is the jockey who has won the game for six times. He is slightly ahead of My Pat who has won it 5 times. The trainer R. Wyndham Walden ranks highest as his horses has won for seven times while the owner Calumet Farm is leading as his horses has won for seven years. He is also the top breeder for seven times.

In August 2010, MI Development Inc. announced that the winner of Preakness Stakes will receive the bonus of $5.5 million. This has further increased the excitement of the fans and followers of the game. The celebrated and renowned band "Hotspur" is said to be performing at the opening of Preakness Stakes 2011 at Pamlico Race Course. To enjoy the game to its fullest, purchase your Preakness Stakes tickets now and have a flavor of the old world charm of horses, lords and traditions