Since its first gallop in 1873, the Preakness Stakes has grown into one of horse racing’s most iconic events. In 2025, it celebrates its 150th run at Baltimore’s Pimlico Race Course, continuing a legacy built on speed, spectacle, and state pride.

From the thrill of the track to the crowd’s roar, it’s no wonder more fans watch it every season. If you haven’t been swept up in the excitement yet, 2025 could be the perfect time to turn yourselves into fans!

Preakness Stakes Briefer for Beginners

Raced on a 1.181-mile dirt track, the Preakness Stakes annually features three-year-old Thoroughbred horses. It’s the shortest race in the Triple Crown series, making it a fast-paced and highly strategic event.

To win the Triple Crown, a runner must conquer the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes. So far, only 13 horses have achieved this rare feat, with Justify being the most recent in 2018. For the race requirements, geldings and colts must carry 57 kg (121 lb) and fillies 55 kg upon entering the field.

The title “Preakness Stakes” was derived from Preakness, the colt who won the first Dinner Party Stakes race hosted at Pimlico on October 25, 1870. The first ever Preakness Stakes happened on May 27, 1873, with a field of seven Thoroughbreds. Ultimately, it was won by a horse named Survivor.

With this rich history in mind, it’s no surprise that excitement begins to build well ahead of race day. As fans look toward the upcoming event, sportsbooks and platforms that have the 2025 Preakness odds are getting a lot of attention. These early odds give insight into which horses might enter the field and shape the narrative for this year’s race and possibly for the entire Triple Crown series.

Facts That Can Turn You Into a Preakness Fan

Every race has fascinating facts that make it one race to remember. The Preakness Stakes, like any other racing event, has its share of interesting details. One particular point is why it was alternatively known as Run for the Black-Eyed Susans when the winner does not receive a blanket of them because they do not flower until June. Instead, winners are given a blanket of daisies or Viking poms painted to look like black-eyed Susans.

The third verse of the state song, Maryland, My Maryland, traditionally sets the tone for the annual race, typically performed by the United States Naval Academy Glee Club. This particular song originated in the American Civil War and was broadly used during the war to uplift soldiers to fight against the Union. Apparently, it’s rooted in a controversial past, so there were several legislative attempts to change the state’s official song.

There’s also a long-lived tradition of a painter climbing up the building’s cupola to paint the iron weather vane on top in the winner’s colors. The vane, commissioned in 1909 by the Maryland Jockey Club, was shaped like a jockey and horse.

What to Expect in the 2025 Preakness Stakes

As Maryland’s oldest tradition, the race will be traditionally held at Pimlico Race Course before the kickoff of a big construction project expected to upgrade the track and the community.

Marking the 150th year of the Preakness Stakes, there will be a week-long festival before the big race on May 17, 2025. Christian Johansson, Chairman of Stella May Contracting, says, “We want to transform quite literally how the city, how the state celebrates and supports Preakness, not just for 150, frankly for generations to come.”

The weeklong festival will redefine the classic Run for the Black-Eyes Susans. Maryland First Lady Dawn Moore was inspired to plan a grand celebration after seeing how Louisville honors the Kentucky Derby, the first leg of the Triple Crown.

Partnerships between public and private stakeholders will pave the way for a combination of cultural events, art activities and other events at prominent locations across Maryland.

The festival aims to augment Maryland’s equine industry’s impact on tourism, hospitality, and the local circle of small businesses. The equine industry currently makes up 25% of Maryland’s agricultural base, supporting around 28,000 jobs and contributing $3 billion to the state’s economy.

About the Pimlico Renovations on the Horizon

In 2026, the Pimlico Race Course will undergo a complete renovation. The stadium improvements were mainly urged because of the recent infrastructural issues reported at the race course. The Maryland Stadium Authority will finance up to $400 million in state bonds for the renovation of Pimlico.

On the horizon, a new clubhouse, event space, hotel, and stables for approximately 700 horses will be constructed by a private partner. According to the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority, there’s also a plan for workforce housing and structured parking in the Park Heights neighborhood.

A new training facility will also be built to hold about 650 horses, helping maintain the combined 1,400-horse capacity now split between Laurel Park and Pimlico. Next year, the Preakness Stakes will temporarily move to Laurel Park as construction begins on the new facility.

Wrapping Up

The Preakness Stakes is Maryland’s pride, but its thrill belongs to everyone. As the race draws near, anticipation builds locally and far beyond. But remember, first comes the Kentucky Derby, and with it, a chance to spot the horses that could dominate the next leg of the Triple Crown.