Although it may not have the same level of recognition as the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes firmly asserts its significance within the world of horse racing. This year, the 150th edition of the storied race approaches, especially notable following Seize the Day’s victory in 2024.
As the excitement builds for the event on May 17, 2025, enthusiasts are left wondering: who will emerge victorious this time? Here’s a thorough overview of the Preakness Stakes, including essential details about the date, timing, and the absence of 2025 Kentucky Derby champion, Sovereignty.
Set for Saturday, May 17, at 7:01 p.m. ET, the Preakness Stakes continues its tradition of being held on the third Saturday of May at the historic Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. This venue has been a cornerstone of racing history since it first opened in 1870, hosting an inaugural race won by the horse that inspired the name of this beloved competition.
In a disappointing twist for fans hoping for a chance at the Triple Crown this year, Sovereignty will not be competing in the Preakness. Trainer Bill Mott announced that the Derby champion will shift focus towards preparing for the Belmont Stakes. This change of plans highlights a growing trend, as Sovereignty becomes only the second Derby winner in the past four years to bypass the Preakness—a situation reminiscent of Rich Strike’s decision to skip the event after his 2022 win, where he finished sixth among eight in the Belmont.
Historically, only 13 horses have successfully achieved the Triple Crown, with the most recent being Justify in 2018. Given this backdrop, the upcoming Preakness Stakes carries an air of anticipation as fans are eager to see which horses will take the field.
Among the expected contenders, Journalism stands out as a strong favorite, having placed just behind Sovereignty in the Kentucky Derby. As the race draws nearer, the excitement for this horse grows exponentially, as many see this as its prime opportunity to shine.
The weather forecast on race day predicts scorching temperatures reaching 91 degrees in Baltimore, though there is a chance of afternoon thunderstorms that might disrupt proceedings. Fortunately, by evening, the temperature is set to drop to a pleasant 67 degrees, offering a comfortable experience for both racers and spectators.
The purse for the 2024 Preakness Stakes was a staggering $2 million—the highest ever for this event—with Seize the Day taking home $1.2 million for the win. There’s speculation that the 2025 purse could match or even exceed this. Comparatively, the prize pool for the 2025 Kentucky Derby reached $5 million, with the — champion expected to wind up with roughly $3.1 million.
In another exciting development, highly regarded trainer Bob Baffert is slated to have a horse entered in this year’s Preakness Stakes. His entry, Goal Oriented, will be racing from the No. 1 post position after opting out of the Derby. This horse has been specifically prepared for this pivotal race, especially after Baffert adjusted his plans following Rodriguez’s withdrawal and Citizen Bull’s disappointing 15th place finish in the Derby.
The Preakness Stakes will also feature entertainment beyond the race itself, with Grammy-winning artist T-Pain set to perform after the racing concludes. This follows last year’s performance by Jack Harlow, adding a vibrant musical atmosphere to this thrilling sporting event.
Fans eager to catch the exhilarating action can tune in to the live coverage that kicks off on CNBC before transitioning to NBC and Peacock by 4 p.m. ET. This provides ample opportunity for deeper analysis and excitement building up to the race at 7:01 p.m. ET. Additionally, Mike Tirico will return to his hosting duties for this occasion after missing the Derby due to a peanut allergy, ensuring viewers are guided by a familiar, trusted voice throughout the day.
