Preakness Diaries: What’s Your Alibi?

The Thursday before the Preakness Stakes is always a fun day at Pimlico Race Course. Not only do you get the opportunity to see some of the contenders train in the morning, but there’s also a little shindig called the Alibi Breakfast to get your engine going.
My day started the right way; with Kentucky Derby hero American Pharoah and third-place finisher Dortmund, who are both trained by Bob Baffert. It was a picture-perfect morning, and as the horses emerged from the barn to head to the race course a hundred cameras rose as one to track their progress. Dortmund came out first, followed closely by American Pharoah.

As American Pharoah and Dortmund waited for the tractors to finish harrowing the track, they seemed to strike poses for the phalanx of photographers who were recording their every move (myself included, of course!)

When the track opened back up for training, American Pharoah and Dortmund headed out to begin their gallops. The Derby winner looked incredible, nearly pulling his rider Jorge Alvarez onto his neck in an effort to go faster: 

We photographers weren’t the only ones watching; trainer Bob Baffert signed autographs for fans after his horses went by, and the Thoroughbreds’ caretakers waited patiently for their charges to return. 

Dortmund looked great, putting in a businesslike gallop in a calm and focused manner.

Danzig Moon was out and about as well, and I have to say that I just love this horse. I think he’s amazingly talented and will be a force to be reckoned with as he continues to grow and mature. 

As soon as their training was done, American Pharoah and Dortmund returned to the path leading back to the barns to cool down and have a bath. Pharoah looked pleased with himself, and Dortmund seemed to be quite literally looking for his place in the sun. 

Trainer Bob Baffert looked very happy with his horses’ maiden trip over the Pimlico racetrack; he was relaxed, chatting and laughing back at the barn area. 

Then it was bath time! Dortmund got suds-up first, followed by the Derby champ American Pharoah.

Pony showers are a popular event at the Preakness. Check out how many people were there to take in the bubbles: 

I walked around to the other, quieter side of the barn, where Danzig Moon was enjoying his bath time.

Like, really, really enjoying it.

What a cutie! 
Then it was time to head inside for the Alibi Breakfast. This fantastic feast is an annual celebration of the Preakness Stakes, with media members honored and the runners’ connections giving speeches. It’s also insanely delicious, with an amazing spread including chicken and waffles, chipotle chipped beef and more.

I also got a chance to study the famed Woodlawn Vase, the most expensive trophy in sports. 

It is absolutely exquisite. Forged in 1861, it has remarkable detail from the horse poised at its pinnacle to the saddles decorating its base. It was an honor to be able to examine it so closely, and I’m so excited to show you the details of this amazing piece of artwork. 

After the Alibi Breakfast, I had every intention of hustling up to the press box to get some work done, but I was distracted by the Maryland Racing History and Hall of Fame area of the track. Somehow I’d never noticed it before, and I’m so glad that I did today! It was filled win incredible pieces of history, including Preakness glasses through the ages, Secretariat memorabilia, silks, art, and much more.

My personal favorite was this newspaper clipping from May 11, 1938 recounting the legendry Seabiscuit’s victory over War Admiral in their famed match race at Pimlico. I had no idea that a $2 bet on the Biscuit returned $6.40, nor that the purse was winner take all!

It was such a neat tidbit of information about the history of the sport that I love so much and if you ever find yourself at Pimlico I highly recommend checking out the museum housed right on the track’s second floor. 
Thank you so much for joining me for Preakness Thursday, and I’ll be back tomorrow with all of the action from Black-Eyed Susan Day!