The race that redefined the 'purse' and the record-breaking run of Secretariat

Countries & Cities · Published 13 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In 1870, a horse named Preakness won a race by untying a bag of gold coins from a wire. This moment birthed the modern concept of a 'purse'—prize money for winners. Today, that legacy continues in one of the most storied events in American sports.

The Preakness Stakes, first run in 1873, serves as the second leg of the American Triple Crown. Held traditionally at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, the race covers 1+3/16 miles on dirt. While it is a cornerstone of the racing calendar, its history is marked by significant logistical shifts. For instance, the race was moved to Laurel Park in 2026 due to a $250 million renovation project at Pimlico, with a planned return to its home track in 2027. The race's identity is also tied to its unique traditions, such as the 'Black-Eyed Susan' branding. While the title suggests otherwise, real black-eyed Susan blossoms are absent; rather, victors wear yellow petals coated in dark resin to resemble the specific floral shape.

The race has undergone various structural changes, including periods of 'handicap' conditions where favored horses carried heavier weights (1890 and 1910–1915). It also saw a major shift in its schedule; until 2027, it was held on the third Saturday in May. In 2026, the date moved to the fourth Sunday in May to incentivize trainers to keep Derby winners in the competition. Furthermore, the race's atmosphere has evolved from a 'bring your own booze' policy, which was canceled in 2009 following safety concerns, to a more structured 'InfieldFest' featuring musical acts and a dedicated 'Mug Club'.

One of the most enduring debates in racing history involves the 1973 performance of Secretariat. Originally credited with a time of 1:55, two clockers recorded a faster 1:53 3/5. After decades of dispute, the Maryland Racing Commission officially updated his time to 1:53 in June 2012, confirming him as the record holder for all three Triple Crown races. This level of scrutiny is standard today, with timing precision reaching 0.01 seconds since 2003, ensuring that every fraction of a second in the 1.91 km sprint is accounted for.

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