A total of 115,318 people crowded into Pimlico on Saturday for the 130th
running of the Preakness S. (G1) and were rewarded with a terrifying and
exhilarating edition of the second jewel of the Triple Crown. In the process,
the crowd became the largest to attend a sporting event in the state of
Maryland.
With so many people in attendance, new records were also set in wagering.
Preakness Day wagering totaled $88,083,366, breaking last year’s record of
$87,858,878. A pool of $60,861,090 was bet on the race, also a record.
“It was absolutely the best Preakness ever,” said Joe DeFrancis, Maryland
Jockey Club president and chief executive officer. “We had a phenomenal
performance by Afleet Alex (Northern Afleet) and Jeremy Rose. The turnout was
sensational. I never through we’d break last year’s record with all the
attention Smarty Jones captured.
“It was a record in every category and the first time ever that over $11
million was wagered in a single day within the state of Maryland. It goes to
show you the appeal of the Preakness and the excitement of the middle jewel of
the Triple Crown. It is just astounding to see the continued growth in
popularity of this event.”