Old Hilltop Award to Stroble, Rosenblatt

Charles Stroble, director of news operations at WBAL-TV, and Richard Rosenblatt of the Associated Press have been named recipients of the 2016 Old Hilltop Award, to be given out Thursday, May 19 at the Alibi Breakfast at Pimlico Race Course.

Stroble, a native of Chase City, Va., began his career at WBAL in 1983 as a cameraman. He has been WBAL-TV's lead technical person for its live Preakness Week coverage, which this year will be 10 hours total.

"I'm totally humbled and honored to be recognized," Stroble said. "I truly believe our coverage of the Preakness is a team effort, and without the team at WBAL I wouldn't be able to accomplish anything."

Rosenblatt, who will be covering his 29th Preakness (gr. I), has been with Associated Press for 30 years. He is a two-time recipient of the Red Smith Kentucky Derby writing award. 

"It's such an honor to be included among the wonderful writers and broadcasters who have received this award," Rosenblatt said. "Covering the Preakness has been an annual highlight for me for many, many years, and the Old Hilltop Award and Alibi Breakfast, are outstanding traditions. I couldn't be more delighted."

The Alibi Breakfast, which began in the 1930s on the porch of the historical Pimlico Clubhouse, features a gathering of media, owners, trainers, jockeys, and horsemen to celebrate the Preakness, and solicit interesting race predictions.