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What Time Does The Preakness Start? Your Ultimate Viewing Guide

The Preakness Stakes, the second jewel in horse racing’s Triple Crown, is a highly anticipated event for racing enthusiasts worldwide. Understanding what time the Preakness starts is crucial for planning your viewing experience, whether you’re attending the race in person, watching it on television, or streaming it online. This guide provides all the essential details you need to know about the Preakness Stakes start time, along with historical context, broadcast information, and tips for enjoying the race to the fullest.

Preakness Stakes Start Time: The Essentials

The Preakness Stakes is traditionally held on the third Saturday in May at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. While the undercard races begin earlier in the day, the Preakness Stakes itself usually takes place between 6:30 PM and 7:00 PM Eastern Time (ET). However, it’s essential to confirm the exact Preakness start time each year, as it can vary slightly due to television schedules and other factors.

What time does the Preakness start precisely? Typically, the post time is announced well in advance by the Maryland Jockey Club and broadcast partners like NBC. Check the official Preakness Stakes website or your preferred sports news outlet for the confirmed Preakness start time as the race day approaches.

How to Find the Official Start Time

Official Preakness Stakes Website: The most reliable source for the official Preakness start time is the Preakness Stakes website.
Sports News Websites: Major sports news outlets like ESPN, CBS Sports, and NBC Sports will publish the Preakness start time.
Television Listings: Check your local television listings for the NBC broadcast schedule, which will include the Preakness start time.
Social Media: Follow the Preakness Stakes official social media accounts for real-time updates and announcements.

Historical Context of the Preakness Stakes

The Preakness Stakes has a rich history dating back to 1873, making it one of the oldest and most prestigious horse races in the United States. Named after the colt Preakness, who won the Dinner Party Stakes on the track’s opening day in 1870, the race has become a cornerstone of American sporting culture. Understanding the historical significance of the Preakness adds depth to your viewing experience, whether you know what time the Preakness starts or not.

Notable Moments in Preakness History

Early Years: The inaugural Preakness Stakes was won by Survivor in 1873.
Triple Crown Implications: The Preakness is the second leg of the Triple Crown, following the Kentucky Derby and preceding the Belmont Stakes.
Record Holders: Secretariat set the record for the fastest Preakness time in 1973, completing the race in 1:53.00.
Recent Winners: Recent winners have included notable horses like Justify (2018), who went on to win the Triple Crown, and Early Voting (2022).

Broadcast Information: Watching the Preakness

The Preakness Stakes is typically broadcast on NBC, providing comprehensive coverage of the race and surrounding events. The broadcast usually begins several hours before the main event, featuring pre-race analysis, interviews, and coverage of the undercard races. Knowing what time the Preakness starts allows you to plan your viewing schedule accordingly.

How to Watch the Preakness

Television: Tune into NBC to watch the live broadcast of the Preakness Stakes.
Streaming: Stream the race live on NBCSports.com or through the NBC Sports app. Subscription services like Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV also offer access to NBC.
In Person: Attend the race at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore for an unforgettable experience. [See also: Attending the Preakness Stakes: A Complete Guide]

Preparing for Race Day: Tips for Enjoying the Preakness

To fully enjoy the Preakness Stakes, it’s essential to prepare in advance. This includes understanding what time the Preakness starts, planning your viewing arrangements, and familiarizing yourself with the participating horses and jockeys.

Tips for a Memorable Preakness Experience

Review the Field: Research the horses and jockeys participating in the race. Consider factors like past performance, speed ratings, and jockey experience.
Understand the Odds: Familiarize yourself with the betting odds and how they reflect the perceived chances of each horse winning.
Plan Your Viewing Party: If you’re hosting a viewing party, prepare snacks, drinks, and decorations to enhance the atmosphere.
Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest news and updates leading up to the race.

Understanding the Undercard Races

The Preakness Stakes is the highlight of a full day of racing at Pimlico Race Course. The undercard races feature a variety of stakes races and claiming races, providing entertainment and betting opportunities throughout the day. While knowing what time the Preakness starts is crucial, exploring the undercard races can enhance your overall experience.

Notable Undercard Races

Black-Eyed Susan Stakes: Held on the Friday before the Preakness, this race is a premier event for three-year-old fillies.
Dixie Stakes: A Grade 2 stakes race for older horses on the turf.
Other Stakes Races: Several other stakes races are held on Preakness day, offering competitive racing and wagering opportunities.

Betting on the Preakness Stakes

Betting on the Preakness Stakes is a popular way to engage with the race and add excitement to your viewing experience. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a novice, understanding the different types of bets and how they work is essential. Before you even consider placing a bet, make sure you know what time the Preakness starts!

Types of Bets

Win: Bet on a horse to finish first.
Place: Bet on a horse to finish first or second.
Show: Bet on a horse to finish first, second, or third.
Exacta: Bet on the first two horses in the correct order.
Trifecta: Bet on the first three horses in the correct order.
Superfecta: Bet on the first four horses in the correct order.

The Impact of Weather on the Preakness Stakes

Weather conditions can significantly impact the Preakness Stakes, affecting both the track conditions and the performance of the horses. Rain can lead to a muddy track, which can favor certain horses while hindering others. Knowing what time the Preakness starts and monitoring the weather forecast can help you make informed betting decisions and adjust your viewing expectations.

How Weather Affects the Race

Track Condition: A muddy track can slow down the race and make it more challenging for horses to maintain their footing.
Horse Performance: Some horses perform better on muddy tracks than others. Look for horses with a history of success on off-track conditions.
Jockey Strategy: Jockeys may adjust their strategies based on the track condition, such as opting for a more cautious approach on a muddy track.

The Future of the Preakness Stakes

The Preakness Stakes continues to evolve, with ongoing efforts to enhance the fan experience and ensure the long-term viability of the race. Renovations to Pimlico Race Course and initiatives to attract new audiences are key priorities. As the race evolves, knowing what time the Preakness starts will remain a crucial piece of information for fans around the world.

Looking Ahead

Pimlico Renovations: Plans are underway to renovate Pimlico Race Course, with the goal of creating a modern and improved venue for the Preakness Stakes.
Fan Engagement: Efforts are being made to engage with fans through social media, interactive experiences, and other innovative initiatives.
Sustainability: The Maryland Jockey Club is committed to ensuring the sustainability of the Preakness Stakes for future generations.

Conclusion

Knowing what time the Preakness starts is the first step to enjoying one of horse racing’s most celebrated events. Whether you’re a seasoned racing fan or a casual observer, the Preakness Stakes offers a thrilling spectacle and a rich tradition. By staying informed about the race schedule, broadcast information, and participating horses, you can make the most of your Preakness experience. So, mark your calendars, set your alarms, and get ready to witness the excitement of the Preakness Stakes!