Interesting Preakness Stakes Facts

Today was the running of the 142nd Preakness Stakes, otherwise referred to as the second jewel of the Triple Crown, so we thought it would be fun to share some facts about the history of this event. If you follow Kentucky Derby history, it may interest you to know that the Preakness is actually older than the Derby. The Preakness was not run from 1891-1893, thus making it the 142nd Preakness that followed the 143rd Derby that was just run on May 6, 2017. Starting in 1969, the Preakness has been run two weeks after the Kentucky Derby; however, that was not always the case. Eleven times it has been run before the Derby and two times it has been run on the same day. The purse for the Preakness Stakes this year was $1.5 million, just a little higher than the first purse of $2050! The favorite for the Preakness this year was Kentucky Derby winner, Always Dreaming. Throughout the history of the Preakness the favorite wins more than half the time, but that was not the case this year. And here's to lucky number six. Horses breaking from post No. 6 have finished as winners a record 16 times! Speaking of luck, there is nothing lucky about the five Preakness winners since 2000 that were names Horse of the Year, racings highest year-end honor. Point Given, Curlin, Rachel Alexandria, California Chrome and American Pharoah were outstanding horses with talented trainers, jockeys and a pedigree that goes on for miles! If you found these facts interesting, please feel free to SHARE!