Oct. 3 Preakness Stakes to Take Place Without Fans
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Photo: Rick Samuels
The start of the 2019 Preakness Stakes
Following earlier decisions to run the Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets (G1) and Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) without fans in attendance, this year's final leg of the Triple Crown—the Oct. 3 Preakness Stakes (G1) at Pimlico Race Course—will also be run behind closed doors.
The Preakness decision, announced by The Stronach Group, which owns Pimlico, a Maryland Jockey Club track, was made as a health decision related to COVID-19. The pandemic forced the postponement of all three legs of the Triple Crown and led to a reshuffling of the race order this year. 2020 will mark the first time the Preakness is the third jewel.
"The Stronach Group and the Maryland Jockey Club have been working closely in consultation with local and state health and governmental authorities for the past several months to thoughtfully and safely plan for Preakness 145," said Belinda Stronach, chairman and president of TSG, in a release. "While we had hoped to be able to welcome fans as we have for the past 144 years, the health and safety of our guests, horsemen, riders, team members, and the community at large is, and will always be, our top priority."
Only essential racing personnel and horsemen will be permitted at Pimlico on race day, TSG said.
Existing ticket holders that have already purchased tickets will have the option to either transfer tickets to next year's race or to apply for a full refund. More information is available online at www.Preakness.com.
Like the other legs of the Triple Crown, the race will remain televised on NBC. The Preakness telecast will air from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET on race day.
The entire Oct. 3 racing program will offer more than $3.3 million in purses, including the addition of the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (G2) to the card. It has historically been run the day before the Preakness.
This year's Preakness will mark the first time that the winner of the race, or of any Triple Crown contest, will immediately qualify for the Longines Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) as part of the Breeders' Cup "Win and You're In" Challenge Series. This year's Breeders' Cup is at Keeneland Nov. 6-7.