Everything You Need to Know About the 2024 Preakness Stakes

The Preakness Stakes is one of the most important events in the horse racing calendar, and it's happening tomorrow!

Here's what you need to know about the 2024 edition of the race:

1. Schedule and broadcasting information:

• The Preakness Stakes will occur on Saturday, May 18, at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland.
• Broadcast information is as follows: TV: NBC, Peacock, NBCSports.com, NBC Sports app; Location: Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland; Date: Saturday, May 18th; Post time: Approximately 6:50 p.m. ET (TV coverage from 1:30-7:30 p.m. ET)

2. What is the Preakness Stakes?

• The Preakness Stakes is the second leg of the Triple Crown, a series of three elite thoroughbred horse races that occur in May and early June of each year. The series begins with the Kentucky Derby, followed by the Preakness Stakes and then the Belmont Stakes.

3. History of the event:

• The Preakness Stakes was first held in 1873 and is the second-oldest leg of the Triple Crown; only the Kentucky Derby is older.
• The race is named after the horse Preakness, who won the first running of the event.

4. Distance and length of the race:

• Though the length of the Preakness Stakes has varied throughout its history, today's race is 1 3/16 miles (9.5 furlongs) long. This distance has been standard since 1925.

5. Expected contenders and predictions:

• This year, the biggest story is whether Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan will defend his title in the Preakness.
• Trainer Ken McPeek has not confirmed whether Mystik Dan will race, so avid viewers will be waiting to see if the horse arrives at Pimlico.

6. Prize money and winnings:

• The Preakness Stakes offers a total purse of $2 million, which has increased by 33% from last year's $1.5 million.
• The winner of the Preakness Stakes will receive approximately 60% of the purse, or $1.2 million.

7. Results of the 2023 Preakness Stakes:

• The 2023 Preakness Stakes was won by National Treasure, who beat 3-5 favorite Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike.
• National Treasure scored an upset victory, beating Rich Strike by one and a quarter lengths.

That's all we can say about tomorrow's race for now!