More than 60K attend last Preakness Stakes before Pimlico renovations
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People throughout Maryland and beyond flocked to Baltimore to witness the historic 150th running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course on May 17.
The middle jewel of the Triple Crown in thoroughbred racing, Pimlico typically draws crowds that come to experience the trill, tradition, fashion and culture that makes Preakness unique.
“This was my first time at Preakness and it was really cool,” said Rare Reign, a doula from Columbia, Md. “I like historic events and seeing how things will continue to change and evolve throughout time, that’s what I am about. I just wanted to experience what Preakness had to offer after hearing about it all these years.”
Preakness Stakes was preceded by the inaugural weeklong Preakness Festival, under the leadership of Maryland first lady Dawn Moore. Highlights included the George “Spider” Anderson Music and Arts Festival, with performances by record producer Douglass “Doug E. Fresh” Davis and rapper Lana “MC Lyte” Moorer.
Although most Preakness attendees left with a positive experience, some left hoping that the logistics and organization of the events during Preakness events would improve alongside the physical improvements in store at Pimlico.
“This was my second time coming
to Preakness and initially it was great, but I experienced a lot of disorganization. I purchased tickets for multiple events trying to support it, but when you leave one, they prevent you from returning to the area that you left,” said Yusef Moore, CEO of mixed martial arts company, Best of the Best. “Who pays thousands of dollars to stand outside?”
Moore first attended Preakness Stakes roughly a decade ago and had zero complaints about his experience the first time around. Moore shared with the AFRO that the racing was great, but he likely won’t be returning due to the level of disorganization being too high for “a paying client.”
Pimlico is set to be demolished and rebuilt, with construction beginning over the summer. The event will move to Laurel Park in 2026.
The $400 million project will take about two years to complete, and Preakness Stakes is set to return to Pimlico in Baltimore in 2027. The new venue will include a 5,000seat grandstand, a hotel and other innovative improvements allowing Pimlico to host other events such as concerts and festivals.
On the race track, Journalism and jockey Umberto Rispoli crossed the line victorious.
Journalism got its name from co-owner Aron Wellman, who was once a sports editor in high school.
Journalism ran a time of 1:55.47 across the oval that is a little over a mile long. The victory serves as the second Preakness victory for trainer Michael McCarthy.
Mekhi Abbott Special to the AFRO mabbott@afro.com
Terry Speigner (left), president and CEO of NGEN, enjoys Black Eyed Susan Day with his sister, Belinda Lyons, of Birmingham, Ala.
Shown here in their finest threads, Monica White-Mark (left) with Amanda and Jessica Coleman; Nadine Finigan-Carr; Deanna McRay-James, Khusana Jackson and Natadha Parker.
Journalism wins the 150th Preakness Stakes with jockey Umberto Rispoli on May 17.
The winner of the 2025 Black Eye Susan Day race, Margie’s Intention, gallops across the finish line with jockey Flavien Prat on May 16.
Del. Denise G. Roberts (left) (D-PG-25) and Del. Karen R. Toles (D-PG-25), of the Maryland House of Delegates, share a moment together at Preakness 150.
All AFRO Photos/ James Fields