The Preakness Stakes - Betting Odds, Event Info and Favourites to Win

Race Details:

Date: 2026.05.16
Grade: 1
Open To: Horses Aged Three and Up
Track: Dirt
Length: 1 3/16 miles (1.91 km)
Location: Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore, Maryland


The Preakness Stakes is one of the three horse races that make up the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing in the United States, the other two being the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes.

History:

The Preakness Stakes dates back to 1873, making it the second oldest of the Triple Crown races after the Belmont Stakes. The race was named after a colt named Preakness, who won the Dinner Party Stakes on the day Pimlico Race Course opened in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1870.

It has since become one of the most iconic horse races in the world, symbolizing the rich heritage of American Thoroughbred competition.


2025 Winner:

Horse: Journalism
Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
Trainer: Michael W. McCarthy


2025 Preakness Stakes Betting Odds:

The odds for the 2025 race will be released closer to the event date.


2025 Purse:

The total purse for the previous edition was approximately $2,000,000 - a significant increase from prior years.


Race Overview:

The Preakness Stakes is traditionally held on the third Saturday in May, two weeks after the Kentucky Derby and three weeks before the Belmont Stakes.

It covers a distance of 1 3/16 miles (1.91 kilometers) on dirt at Pimlico Race Course. The event is open to three-year-old Thoroughbreds and is one of the most anticipated races in North America.


Significance:

As the second jewel of the Triple Crown, the Preakness often decides whether a horse will have a shot at the historic Triple Crown title. Winning all three races - the Derby, Preakness, and Belmont - is an exceedingly rare and prestigious accomplishment.
When it comes to attendance, the Preakness ranks just behind the Kentucky Derby, regularly drawing over 100,000 spectators.


Notable Moments:

The race has produced some of horse racing's most unforgettable moments, particularly involving Triple Crown hopefuls.

Secretariat's 1973 victory remains legendary - he blazed through the 1 3/16 miles in 1:53, setting a record that stood for decades.

Other iconic winners include Affirmed (1978), American Pharoah (2015), and Justify (2018), each continuing their Triple Crown campaigns in Baltimore.


Atmosphere:

The Preakness is known for its unique mix of elegance and local flavor. The crowd is a blend of racing enthusiasts, celebrities, Maryland locals, and casual fans drawn by the excitement.

The event reflects the character of Baltimore - lively, welcoming, and full of tradition. Local food and music add to the experience, while the infield festivities offer a more casual, festival-like environment.

Attendees embrace semi-formal attire reminiscent of the Kentucky Derby. Women often wear bright dresses and hats, while men favor suits or smart-casual outfits.
The official cocktail of the Preakness is the "Black-Eyed Susan," named after Maryland's state flower.

After the race, the weather vane atop the clubhouse is painted in the winning horse's silks - a celebrated Preakness tradition.


Betting Insights & Traditions:

Common betting types for the Preakness include Win, Place, Show, Exacta, Trifecta, and Superfecta.

The shorter distance compared to the Derby often favors speed horses with strong mid-race acceleration rather than deep closers.

Bettors should consider post position and track conditions, as Pimlico's surface tends to favor inside lanes when dry and front-runners when slightly damp.

Given its timing within the Triple Crown, betting volumes soar when a Kentucky Derby winner enters the field - as anticipation for a possible Triple Crown sweep electrifies the odds market.


Cultural Significance:

Beyond the racing spectacle, the Preakness is a social and cultural event for Maryland. The city of Baltimore embraces the race with local celebrations, parades, and concerts.
It represents resilience and pride for the region, serving as a unifying moment every spring and a key contributor to Maryland's sporting identity.


Fun Fact:

The Preakness trophy, called the Woodlawn Vase, is one of the most valuable trophies in American sports - valued at over $1 million. The original is kept at the Baltimore Museum of Art, while winners receive a replica.


Key Takeaways:

- The Preakness Stakes is the second leg of the U.S. Triple Crown, held annually at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland.

- Established in 1873, it remains a cornerstone of American horse racing tradition.

- The race distance is 1 3/16 miles, typically run on the third Saturday in May.

- Journalism won the 2025 edition, ridden by Umberto Rispoli and trained by Michael W. McCarthy.

- Known for its history, culture, and the famous Black-Eyed Susan cocktail, the Preakness combines elite sport with Baltimore's festive spirit.


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