A horse gallops with his lungs, perseveres with his heart, and wins with his character.

Federico Tesio

The official party resides in Baltimore, but celebrating one of the oldest horse races in the United States at home has never been easier!

The Preakness Stakes is the second of a three-part series that completes the United States’ thoroughbred horse racing’s Triple Crown. An event comparable to the World Series or the Stanley Cup. In 1873, the Dinner Party Stakes at Pimlico was renamed ‘Preakness’ in honor of its inaugural winner. Likewise, a race featuring all fillies, The Black-eyed Susan Stakes, founded its roots in 1919. Originally the Pimlico Oaks, it was renamed in 1952. These races are yearly on the third Friday (for fillies) and Saturday (for colts) in May.

How to Celebrate

The race broadcasts live on networks and streaming via NBC, NBC Sports (NBCS app,) Peacock, and other affiliates like TVG. Prepare an entire afternoon as coverage spans 6 hours (1:30 pm until 7:30 pm ET.)

Now, on to the essentials!

Appetizers and More

Maryland is known for its fabulous seafood! Along with your favorite dips and dishes, be sure to incorporate a few authentic tastes: 

Maryland Crab Cakes: This traditional recipe from Sally’s Baking Addition is great as prepared or updated as delicious Crab cakes sliders.

Pit Beef Sandwiches: This beef is signature in Baltimore, sliced thin, charred outside, and piled high. Serve on a fresh brioche bun. Don’t forget generous amounts of horseradish. Kingsford provides the best recipes to create your own.

Sweet Loster— Anything!: Lobster rolls, Lobster Mac n cheese, lobster bisque;  keep it simple to allow the lobster flavor to shine through. 

Desserts: Keep in the Baltimore theme with frozen custard, traditional Lady Baltimore or Smith Island cake, or a big slice of Maryland Black walnut cake. The Maryland Store has all the basics covered! 

Stock the Bar

Toast to the winners with a Maryland Bloody Mary cocktail, Orange Crush, or the official drink of Old Hill Top, the Black Eyed Susan. Who better than Visit Maryland to supervise your bartending needs?

Decor, Traditions and Games

With decor, simple is always elegant. A traditional Preakness color theme is black and gold with sterling accents. Florals like the Black Eyed Susans or their close cousins the sunflower, look lavish in vases. Triple Crown party supplies are online in shops like Amazon and Esty. ‘Maryland My Maryland‘, sung after the Preakness call-to-post is a fun group function. There are racing games that any horse fan can play and enjoy.

Betting

Wagering is made easy; Pimlico’s website offers suggestions on how to select and wager. Remember to game responsibly. Betting at home for ‘bragging rights only’ can be great fun and costs, well, nothing.

Dress code

Home afternoon gatherings are either casual to ‘Sunday best.’ Have your guests wear the silk colors of their favorite horse, gold and black, or just ‘come as you are.’ And above all, have fun!

Happy Racing!

photo credit: unsplash: Alexandra Tran, Andreas M

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