Fifteen Twitter Accounts to Follow for the Preakness
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From the moment California Chrome crossed the finish line first in Kentucky Derby - OK, it was at least 100 yards earlier that it became clear that he was going to win - the countdown began to the Preakness Stakes.
With each passing second, anticipation has continued to build, with so many people asking yet again “could this be the year we see a Triple Crown winner?”
All eyes will be on Baltimore on May 17 for the 139th running of the Preakness Stakes. You’ll want to stay informed about the horses, jockeys, trainers, owners and all of the information surrounding their chances in the Preakness. The best way to do that is by following some key Twitter accounts in the days leading up to the big race. Here are a few must-follow accounts before and during Preakness week.
#1 @PreaknessStakes
OK, so this is an obvious one. The official handle of the Preakness Stakes is essential following for general Preakness news, photos from Pimlico and pop-up contests. The contests could happen at anytime, so keep an eye on this account.
#2 @MDJockeyClub
This handle belongs to the vice president of communications at Maryland Jockey Club, Mike Gathagan. Everything the media needs to know about the comings and goings of Preakness horses and their connections goes through Gathagan - and usually crosses his Twitter account around the same time. This should be your go-to source for updates and any breaking news on Preakness week.
#3 @EspinozasVictor
Given that he just won his second Kentucky Derby, it should go without saying that Victor Espinoza knows a little something about timing - not only when it comes to getting horses to run but also social media. Espinoza launched his Twitter right account before he won the Kentucky Derby aboard California Chrome. The jockey has done a great job on Twitter by keeping fans informed about his journey with “Cal Chrome.”
#4 @ShermanRacing
The training team behind California Chrome has been pretty busy on Twitter the past few weeks. When you follow this account, you’ll get a steady stream of media stories on their horse and occasionally a photo or two from behind the scenes.
#5 @Gabby_Gaudet_
Gabby Gaudet grew up in Maryland racing, coming from a family of horse trainers. She knows this circuit as well as anyone and she certainly knows how to handicap it. As an on-air analyst and handicapper for the Maryland Jockey Club, Gabby is a great source for angles on how to bet the races, as well as information and pictures related to the horses running throughout the weekend.
#6 @DaveRodman
The voice of Pimlico - Dave Rodman. He’s new to Twitter but is as witty on it as he’s always been when calling races. Keep an eye on his account for fun pictures from his bird’s-eye view.
#7 @DanonymousMan & @ItsmeVictoriaG
Us. Yes, us! As America’s Best Racing Brand Ambassadors, Victoria Garofalo and I will be on the ground in Baltimore all week long. We’ll be tweeting information and photos, day and night. We’ll be on the backside, in the paddock and might even make a stop or two in the infield! You want shots of your favorite horses, quotes from key people and unforgettable moments? Follow us, @ABRLive and @ABRVTour.
8. @MDHorseRadio
The Twitter handle for Maryland Horse Radio is always an important one to follow, especially on big race weekends in Maryland. This account is really good about sending out updates on horses and happenings surrounding the Preakness. Maryland Horse Radio also airs every Friday night and the Preakness eve broadcast should have a lot of guests who you'll want to hear from the night before the big day. You can listen in at www.marylandhorseradio.com.
#9 @JoeClancy65
There will be plenty of media members present during Preakness week but you'd be hard pressed to find someone more knowledgeable about racing than Joe Clancy. A writer, publisher and editor, Joe has done it all when it comes to covering the sport. His Tweets always provide unique perspective - often through beautiful photos - on horses and racing.
#10 @TheRacingBiz
The Racing Biz is a website founded by Frank Vespe, one of the hardest-working people in the Maryland racing scene. Frank keeps his site and Twitter account updated with stories that you’re not likely to find in national publications. He has already been posting around the clock updates on the Preakness contenders - when they’re shipping in and lots of other information related to their chances of winning the middle jewel of the Triple Crown.
#11 @Bigdreyfus
Georganne Hale knows as much, if not more, than anyone else about the horses, trainers and owners who run in Maryland. She is the director of racing and racing secretary at the Maryland Jockey Club. She's also one of the most well-respected people in the region’s racing industry.
#12 @MidAtlanticTB
The definitive print magazine covering racing in Maryland and throughout the region, Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred Magazine is another must-follow for Preakness week.
#13 @MarylandTB
The name should say it all. This is the official Twitter account of the Maryland Horse Breeders Association and the slogan #WeGrowHorses. You might want to follow the Tweet-master behind the account, too: @annela1rd.
#14 @BESStakes
The official handle of Black-Eyed Susan Stakes day will showcase all of the fashion and fun on the Friday before Preakness. Black-Eyed Susan day is the “ultimate girls day out” and, among other things, this year will feature an attempt at breaking the world record for the largest zumba class as well as a fashion show featuring cancer survivors strutting their stuff on the Pimlico infield runway.
#15 @PimlicoRC
The official Twitter handle for Pimlico Race Course is always an important one to keep an eye on during Preakness week. The handle also retweets a lot of other eye-catching content from fans and celebrities.