Finding the Scheduled Post Time and Understanding Why It Might Change
The pivotal moment everyone awaits is the start of the Preakness Stakes. While the officially listed time is six fifty PM Eastern Time, it’s crucial to understand that this isn’t always set in stone. Factors beyond anyone’s control can cause the race to start a few minutes earlier or later. The most common cause of a change in start time is the weather and delays in earlier races on Preakness Day. It’s wise to check for updates closer to the race.
Luckily, staying informed about the most accurate post time is easy. Here’s where you can find the most up-to-date information:
- The Official Preakness Stakes Website: This is usually the most reliable source. The Preakness official website publishes the final post time.
- Broadcasting Networks: If NBC Sports is broadcasting the Preakness, they will continually update viewers on the estimated post time throughout their coverage. Tune in early to catch the pre-race show for the latest details.
- Reputable Horse Racing News Sites: Several established online news publications specialize in horse racing. These sources typically provide real-time updates, including any modifications to the race schedule.
How to Watch the Preakness Stakes From Wherever You Are
The experience of watching the Preakness is more accessible than ever, thanks to a variety of viewing options. Whether you’re near a television or reliant on streaming services, you can be sure not to miss a moment of the action.
Television Broadcast: The Preakness Stakes is typically broadcast on NBC. Be sure to check your local listings. The pre-race coverage often begins several hours before the main event, featuring expert analysis, interviews, and insights into the competing horses and jockeys. Setting aside time to watch the pre-race show offers a richer understanding of the event.
Streaming Options: In today’s digital landscape, the ability to stream live events is invaluable. Numerous streaming services offer access to the Preakness. One such option is Peacock, the official streaming service of NBC, which often provides live coverage of major sporting events, including the Preakness Stakes.
In addition, streaming platforms that carry network channels, like Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV, will also broadcast the race if NBC is the official broadcaster. These options are suitable if you prefer the flexibility of streaming on your device rather than traditional television.
Radio Broadcast: In some instances, radio stations will broadcast the Preakness, allowing you to listen to the race while on the move.
A Glimpse into the Day’s Events
The Preakness Stakes is the highlight of a day filled with exhilarating horse racing events. Several other races are scheduled throughout the day, leading up to the main event. These races showcase a variety of horses and jockeys, adding to the excitement and atmosphere of Preakness Day.
Here are a few notable races to keep an eye on:
The Chick Lang Stakes
This race is a prominent event on the Preakness undercard. The Chick Lang Stakes typically draws talented three-year-old sprinters, creating an exciting preview of the speed and skill on display later in the day.
Other Stakes Races
Several other stakes races are programmed on Preakness Day, presenting opportunities to witness competitive horse racing and potentially spot future stars.
Beyond the racetrack, Preakness Day also includes InfieldFest, a music and entertainment festival that attracts a large crowd. It offers live music and entertainment, creating a festive and lively atmosphere that complements the thrilling races.
Factors That Can Influence the Race Time
While organizers strive to maintain the scheduled post time, unexpected factors can cause adjustments. The most common culprits are weather-related issues and delays in earlier races.
Weather: Inclement weather can significantly impact the race schedule. Heavy rain, lightning, or extreme heat can create hazardous conditions for the horses and jockeys, necessitating delays or even postponement. The safety of all participants is the top priority, so officials must carefully assess the weather conditions.
Delays in Earlier Races: If any of the earlier races experience unforeseen delays, such as a horse needing medical attention on the track, the schedule can be disrupted. Each delay cascades, affecting the timing of subsequent races, including the Preakness Stakes.
On-Track Incidents: Any on-track incident that requires attention can also lead to delays. These situations might involve a horse losing its rider or any other event that necessitates a pause in the racing program.
A Brief History of the Preakness Stakes
The Preakness Stakes boasts a rich history dating back to eighteen seventy-three, when the first race was held at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. Named after Preakness, a colt who won the Dinner Party Stakes at Pimlico in eighteen seventy, the Preakness Stakes quickly became a prominent event in American horse racing.
The Preakness is run on a dirt track at a distance of nine and a half furlongs, which is equivalent to one and three sixteenths miles. This distance is slightly shorter than the Kentucky Derby and longer than the Belmont Stakes. It tests the stamina and speed of the three-year-old thoroughbreds vying for victory.
As the second leg of the Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes holds immense significance in the world of horse racing. Horses who win both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes have a chance to make history by winning the Belmont Stakes and completing the Triple Crown, a feat only achieved a select number of times.
The Preakness has witnessed numerous unforgettable moments and legendary horses. Names like Secretariat, Affirmed, and American Pharoah are etched in racing lore, each having triumphed at Pimlico Race Course and contributed to the rich tapestry of the Preakness Stakes.
Conclusion: Don’t Miss the Thrill
So, what time is the Preakness? As a reminder, the Preakness Stakes is scheduled for six fifty PM Eastern Time. Be sure to watch on television, through a streaming service, or listen on the radio to enjoy the excitement of the race.
Remember to stay updated as race schedules can change slightly. To catch the live broadcast, tune in to NBC, use streaming services such as Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV, and double check the official Preakness Stakes website.
Now that you know what time the Preakness is, be sure to tune in and experience the thrill of the race. The Preakness Stakes is a spectacle worth experiencing. Be part of the tradition, cheer on your favorite horse, and witness history in the making.
