The Stronach Group and the Maryland Jockey Club announced that Oct. 3 GI Preakness S. at Pimlico will proceed without fans in attendance. The 145th Preakness will air live on NBC from 4:30-6:00 p.m. ET. The Preakness, like the other two Triple Crown races, are a Breeders' Cup 'Win and You're In' events for the GI Breeders' Cup Classic in November.
“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, The Stronach Group and 1/ST. “While we had hoped to be able to welcome fans as we have for the past 145 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. Although Preakness 145 will look and feel much different from all those that have come before it, 1/ST RACING is committed to delivering a day of world-class Thoroughbred horse racing.”
The Stronach Group and 1/ST indicated only essential racing personnel and horsemen will be permitted on-site at Pimlico on race day. The Preakness will operate in full compliance with all state, county and local health department orders and will follow all current and recommended CDC precautions and safeguards to ensure the health and safety of the limited number of essential racing personnel and participants required.
Existing ticket holders that have already purchased tickets will have the option to either transfer their purchased tickets to next year's Preakness 146 or to apply for a full refund.
Information on ticket transfer or refund options is available at www.preakness.com, via email at tickets@preakness.com or by calling 1-877-206-8042, Monday-Friday, 9:00a.m.-5:00 p.m.ET.
For the first time since its inception, Preakness will represent the third jewel of the Triple Crown and will feature an all-stakes program with $3.35 million in purses, including the 96th running of the GII Black-Eyed Susan S.
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