MAIN Recreation Sports Horse Racing Preakness

This year was the 134th running of the $1 million Preakness Stakes, the middle jewel of the Triple Crown held every third Saturday in May,

By tradition, three year olds run the one and 3/16th mile track at Pimlico in Baltimore, Maryland.

Preakness post positions were announced on Wednesday, May 13 at 5PM ET on Horse Racing Television (HRTV) and ESPN360.com.

In the U.S., all the televised action took place from Pimlico on NBC at 5 PM ET on Saturday, May 16, 2009 with post time 6:05 PM ET.

The biggest buzz this time around was the entry of Rachel Alexandra - the only filly in the Preakness this year - ridden by Calvin Borel, who rode Mine That Bird to victory in the Kentucky Derby. With her stunning upset, Rachel Alexandra became the first filly to take the Preakness Stakes since Nellie Morse in 1924.

The Run for the Preakness

Elsewhere on the Web, learn more about the race for the Black Eyed Susans (Maryland's state flower) with a look at the odds, Preakness Stakes' most famous races in stories and pictures, along with Preakness party ideas, and background history on the famous Woodlawn Vase winner's trophy ...

Preakness at Pimlico - The scene of all the action with seating, ticket and parking info, visitor accommodations and related Maryland attractions, feature stories and profiles, history and trivia, and lots more as the big race draws near...

Preakness Celebration - Horse around in Baltimore, with info on the traditional Hot Air Balloon Festival, Preakness Parade, the 5K Run, concert series, the Pee Wee Preakness and lots more including video clips, photos and complete event calendar leading up to the race.

The Preakness Story began in 1873 - More on how the Preakness got its name and other interesting tidbits, plus a complete chronology of the famous race, photo galleries and archived coverage, courtesy of the Baltimore Sun.

The Woodlawn Vase and the Preakness Stakes - The famous winner's trophy designed by Tiffany & Co. with a long and fascinating history, clickable photo.

also see -> Kentucky Derby | Belmont | Maryland Tourist Attractions

Preakness Party Ideas

Preakness Party Tips - Complete recipes for those luscious Maryland crab cakes and mixology for the Black-Eyed Susan, the traditonial drink of the Preakness...

Triple Crown Recipes at StarChefs - The complete menu including Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes party ideas with a nod to the Preakness in a lip-smacking recipe for Maryland Fried Chicken and Maryland crabcakes.

Preakness Cocktail - A scotch concoction to help celebrate the day.

Millemark Equine Postcard Center - Say 'hay!' with a selection of lovely photos to send as free e-invitations to the party.