The Preakness Stakes: half horse race, half fashion

The running of the 149th Preakness Stakes, the middle jewel of the Triple Crown, is now in the record books.

After a brief spell of rain, the skies cleared over Baltimore, and Seize The Grey emerged victorious, beating seven other three-year-old horses, including Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan, on a muddy Pimlico racecourse.

Next year, the 150th Preakness Stakes will also take place at Pimlico before the event moves to Maryland’s Laurel Park due to refurbishments at Pimlico, the second oldest racetrack in the United States.

While the third Sunday in May is renowned for hosting the second leg of the Triple Crown, it is also a major fashion event.

Many attendees come to The Preakness to make a fashion statement, like Janell Malloy. She was dressed in riding boots, horse riding pants, and a black hat adorned with roses, aiming for an “equestrian vibe.”

“I’m ready just in case they need an extra jockey,” Malloy joked.

Laughing, she explained why fashion plays such a crucial role in The Preakness Stakes. “Baltimore is full of fashionistas, and the history is rooted in how everyone used to dress up and come out. It was about social class,” Malloy said.

Sylonda Davis, a Preakness regular with ten attendances under her belt, shared tips for first-time attendees. “Definitely dress for comfort when it comes to shoes. Today is a rainy day, so I have rain boots,” she told WTOP, adding that everyone should wear a hat.

Luck varied among the attendees on Saturday. James Breedon, an Englishman, hinted at significant losses without revealing specifics, saying only that his luck was so bad, “it would stop a freight train.” Before leaving, he showed four fingers, implying a loss of well over a thousand dollars.

In contrast, Chris James from Boston had a more celebratory reason for attending. “I’m here for my bachelor party,” he said, joining the Preakness festivities with his friends.