Learn how to watch, bet, and enjoy the 2025 Preakness Stakes at Pimlico

The ultimate beginner’s guide to the Preakness Stakes 2025.

Each spring, horse racing fans from around the country set their sights on a historic track in Baltimore, Maryland, for one of the most celebrated events in American sports: the Preakness Stakes. First held in 1873, the Preakness is the second leg of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, a title reserved for a horse that can win the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes in the same year. With its rich traditions, fast-paced excitement, and strategic importance in the racing calendar, the Preakness is a thrilling spectacle that draws both seasoned horse racing fans and curious newcomers.

If you’re new to the sport or looking to get into the action for the first time, this guide will walk you through the basics—from what the Preakness Stakes is to how you can watch, enjoy, and even place a smart bet on race day.

Preakness Stakes 101

The Preakness Stakes is a Grade I stakes race held annually at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. It’s contested by three-year-old Thoroughbred horses over a distance of 1 3/16 miles. Despite its middle position in the Triple Crown, it often determines the future of the series—will the Kentucky Derby winner keep their streak alive, or will a new contender emerge?

The race is typically held on the third Saturday of May, just two weeks after the Kentucky Derby. Because of this short turnaround, the Preakness tests speed, skill, stamina, and recovery. A strong showing in the Preakness can elevate a horse and jockey to national fame and inch them closer to racing immortality.

Key Rules and Traditions

Horses must be three years old and registered Thoroughbreds to race in the Preakness Stakes. The field is usually limited to 14 runners, and entrants are often horses who competed in the Kentucky Derby or have been carefully selected by their owners and trainers for this specific challenge. Jockeys must meet weight requirements (usually around 126 pounds, including gear), and both horses and riders must meet regulatory and performance standards before being allowed to compete.

Beyond the competition itself, the Preakness Stakes is steeped in tradition. One of the most iconic customs is singing “Maryland, My Maryland” just before the race begins. While the song has sparked some controversy in recent years due to its Civil War origins, it remains a long-standing part of the event’s pre-race atmosphere.

Another beloved tradition is the draping of the winning horse in a blanket of black-eyed Susans, Maryland’s state flower. However, because black-eyed Susans don’t bloom in May, the blanket is often made of Viking daisies or similar flowers that closely resemble them. Finally, the “painting of the colours” takes place after the race, when the jockey’s silks are painted onto a weather vane atop the Pimlico cupola, symbolizing their victory.

Popular Betting Strategies

For many fans, betting is integral to the Preakness Stakes experience. If you’re a beginner, going to platforms like FanDuel betting can help: Easy interface, optimized site, and a support system that’s easy to contact. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most popular types of bets:

• Win: You’re betting on a specific horse to finish first.
• Place: You win if your horse finishes first or second.
• Show: You win if your horse finishes in the top three.

These basic bets are relatively low-risk and a great starting point for newcomers. Once you’re more comfortable, you can explore more complex wagers such as:

• Exacta: Picking the first and second-place finishers in exact order.
• Trifecta: Picking the top three finishers in exact order.
• Superfecta: Predicting the first four horses in exact order.

Understanding odds is key to smart betting. Odds reflect the amount of money bet on a horse and indicate the potential payout and the perceived chance of winning. For example, a horse with 5-1 odds means you’ll win $5 for every $1 bet if that horse wins. The lower the odds, the more favoured the horse—typically, the lower the payout.

How to Watch and Enjoy the Race

If you can’t make it to Pimlico in person, don’t worry—the Preakness Stakes is widely available online and on TV. Major networks like NBC typically broadcast the event live, and various streaming platforms offer coverage, including NBC Sports’ website and apps. Some online sportsbooks also provide live streams if you bet through their platforms.

For the ultimate experience, consider hosting a watch party. Dress in derby-style attire, prepare traditional Southern food and drinks like mint juleps and follow the pre-race coverage to learn more about the contenders. Social media also plays a huge role in connecting fans; join the conversation using hashtags like #PreaknessStakes or #TripleCrown2025 to get real-time updates and insights.

If you’re lucky enough to attend in person, Pimlico offers many amenities. The infield party, InfieldFest, combines live music, food, drinks, and entertainment, creating a lively, festival-like environment. Meanwhile, premium seating and dining packages provide a more traditional and upscale race day experience.

Final Words

The Preakness Stakes may only last a few minutes, but the excitement, strategy, and traditions surrounding it make it one of the most captivating events in American sports. From understanding how the race fits into the Triple Crown to learning how to place your first bet or watch online from anywhere, there’s something in the Preakness for every kind of fan.

Whether attending in person, streaming it from home, or placing your first wager, getting involved in the Preakness Stakes is fun and rewarding to connect with a sport steeped in history and drama. So mark your calendar, read up on the contenders, check out the 2025 Preakness odds, and dive into the action—you might just find yourself hooked.

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