PREAKNESS STAKES: 2ND LEG OF THE TRIPLE CROWN

The 150th Preakness Stakes horse race is today, May 17, 2025.  Coverage began at 4 pm EDT on NBC. Post time for this race will be around 6:50 pm EDT. The race may  be viewed on CNBC and Peacock, NBC's streaming platform. A premier horse race, the Preakness Stakes is the 2nd leg or Crown in the Triple Crown. Sadly, there will be no chance for a Triple Crown this year. The winner of the Kentucky Derby, "Sovereignty," is not racing in today's race.  "Journalism," who came in second at this year's Derby, is racing today. 

A premier horse race, the Preakness Stakes is the 2nd leg or Crown in the Triple Crown. Sadly, there will be no chance for a Triple Crown this year. The winner of the Kentucky Derby, "Sovereignty," is not racing in today's race.  "Journalism," who came in second at this year's Derby, is racing today.

Jockey Junior Alvarado, who rode "Sovereignty" to his Derby victory, was penalized for using his crop eight times during the Derby race. Jockeys are allowed to use the crop only six times during a race. Because Alvarado had another infraction of the crop rule within the previous 180 days, his penalties were doubled to $87,000 with a two day suspension from racing. Many, including me, believe "Journalism" would have won the Kentucky Derby had Alvarado followed the crop rule.

Still, history will be made today. This will be the last Preakness Stakes at the current Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. In June, demolition is expected to begin of the current Pimlico Race Course. This will make way for a "$400 million reconstruction funded by state bonds." The new facility, which will allow 100 racing days compared to only 15 currently, is expected to be ready for the 2027 Preakness Stakes. The 2026 Preakness will be held at Laurel Grove racetrack in Laurel, Maryland.