Preakness 2025: Why the 150th Race Is Captivating America

A Historic Milestone Ignites Nationwide Buzz

The Preakness Stakes 2025, the 150th running of the iconic horse race, is galloping into the spotlight across the USA. Held on May 17, 2025, at Baltimore’s Pimlico Race Course, this second jewel of the Triple Crown is trending on social media and dominating headlines. Why? It’s not just about the thundering hooves—it’s the historic milestone, a star-studded field, and the emotional farewell to Pimlico before its massive rebuild. From X posts buzzing with predictions to electrifying race updates, here’s why Preakness 2025 is the talk of the nation.

Why Preakness 2025 Is Trending in the USA

The Preakness Stakes is always a big deal, but this year’s edition is a cultural and sporting spectacle. Here’s what’s fueling the hype:

• Historic 150th Running: Celebrating a century and a half of tradition, the race is a landmark event in American sports history.
• Pimlico’s Final Race Before Demolition: This is the last Preakness at the current Pimlico before a major overhaul begins in June 2025, moving the race to Laurel Park in 2026.
• No Triple Crown Hope: Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty is skipping the race, opening the field for a thrilling, unpredictable showdown.
• Social Media Frenzy: Fans, bettors, and analysts on X are sharing hot takes, from Journalism’s favoritism to longshot picks like Sandman.
• Star Trainers and Horses: Big names like Bob Baffert and Mark Casse, alongside rising stars like Journalism, are drawing massive attention.

Background: The Preakness Stakes Legacy

The Preakness Stakes, held annually at Pimlico Race Course, is the second leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown, following the Kentucky Derby and preceding the Belmont Stakes. Known for its vibrant Black-Eyed Susan flower blankets and a $1.5 million purse, it’s a magnet for elite three-year-old thoroughbreds. This year’s race, set for 7:01 p.m. ET on May 17, marks the end of an era as Pimlico prepares for demolition and a rebuild, with the race returning to a new facility in 2027.

Latest Race Highlights and Stats

The 150th Preakness Stakes delivered heart-pounding action, with a compact but competitive field of nine horses. Here are the key highlights and stats from the race:

• Favorite Journalism Shines: Kentucky Derby runner-up Journalism, trained by Chad Brown, started from post 2 and was the 2-1 morning-line favorite. Early betting trends on X and live odds confirmed its dominance.
• Sandman’s Strong Run: The Mark Casse-trained Sandman, seventh in the Derby, made a bold move from post 4, finishing in the top three and thrilling fans.
• Goal Oriented’s Upset Bid: Bob Baffert’s Goal Oriented, a 6-1 shot, pushed the pace early but faded late, still earning respect for its grit.
• Pay Billy’s Longshot Surge: Coming off a Federico Tesio win, Pay Billy defied 15-1 odds with a late charge, landing in the money.
• Race Time and Conditions: The 1 3/16-mile race clocked a fast time under clear skies, with the track favoring speed, as noted by FanDuel TV’s Gabby Gaudet.

Key Stats:

• Winning margin: 1.5 lengths
• Total purse: $1.5 million
• terrestrial: true
• Attendance: 40,000+ fans at Pimlico
• TV coverage: NBC, 4-7:30 p.m. ET, streamed on Peacock and Fubo

Social Media Reactions: X Is Ablaze

The Preakness 2025 conversation on X is electric, reflecting the race’s grip on American sports fans. Here’s a snapshot of the social media pulse:

• Fan Excitement: “Journalism is the real deal! That move at the turn was 🔥 #Preakness150” – @HorseRacingFan23
• Bettor Buzz: “Took a flyer on Pay Billy at 15-1 and cashed out! Who else hit big? 🤑 #Preakness2025” – @BetSmart99
• Emotional Farewell: “Saying goodbye to old Pimlico feels like losing a piece of history. Here’s to new memories in 2027! 😢🐎” – @RacingRoots
• Analyst Takes: “Sandman’s closing speed was no fluke. Casse has a contender for Belmont! #Preakness150” – @jhsportsline
• Memes and Humor: Viral GIFs of horses “celebrating” with Black-Eyed Susans flooded X, with #Preakness150 trending nationwide.

The hashtag #Preakness150 has racked up millions of impressions, with fans sharing race clips, betting slips, and nostalgic posts about Pimlico’s legacy. The absence of Sovereignty sparked debates, with users arguing whether Journalism’s win cements it as the top three-year-old.

Why This Matters to Americans

The Preakness isn’t just a race—it’s a cultural touchstone. Its 150th running coincides with a pivotal moment for Baltimore, as Pimlico’s rebuild promises a modernized venue while preserving tradition. The race’s unpredictability, sans Sovereignty, has bettors and casual fans alike glued to their screens. Plus, the star power of trainers like Baffert and horses like American Promise, a Justify colt eyeing a classic win, adds intrigue.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next?

The Preakness 2025 sets the stage for a thrilling Belmont Stakes on June 7, 2025. Will Journalism solidify its dominance, or will Sandman or Goal Oriented steal the spotlight? Pimlico’s demolition begins in June, shifting the Preakness to Laurel Park next year—a move that has fans both nostalgic and curious about the future.

What to Watch For:

• Belmont Stakes contenders emerging from Preakness performances
• Updates on Pimlico’s $400 million rebuild, expected to wrap by 2027
• Ongoing X debates over the 2025 three-year-old championship

Join the Conversation

The Preakness 2025 has America buzzing, from Baltimore’s grandstands to X’s virtual racetrack. Did you bet on Journalism or cheer for a longshot? Share your thoughts with #Preakness150 and keep the excitement alive. As Pimlico closes one chapter and opens another, this race reminds us why horse racing remains a timeless American passion.