The Preakness Stakes is one of the most prestigious horse racing events in the United States, and one of the most anticipated questions leading up to the big day is “How many horses are running in the Preakness today?” The answer to this question is crucial for horse racing enthusiasts, bettors, and fans alike, as it sets the stage for the competition and helps predict the outcome of the race.
Understanding the Field Size
The number of horses running in the Preakness Stakes can greatly impact the dynamics of the race. A larger field size can lead to a more competitive and unpredictable race, while a smaller field can result in a more tactical and strategic competition. Knowing the number of horses running in the Preakness today can help fans and bettors make informed decisions about which horses to support and how to place their bets.
A Brief History of Preakness Field Sizes
The Preakness Stakes has a rich history, dating back to 1873. Over the years, the field size has varied, with some years featuring as few as 4 horses and others boasting a full gate of 14. In recent years, the average field size has been around 8-10 horses. Understanding the historical context of Preakness field sizes can provide valuable insights into the competition and help fans and bettors make more informed decisions.
In this article, we will provide the answer to the question “How many horses are running in the Preakness today?” and delve deeper into the importance of field size, its impact on the race, and what it means for fans and bettors.
How Many Horses Are Running in the Preakness Today?
The Preakness Stakes is one of the most prestigious horse racing events in the United States, and it’s natural to wonder how many horses are running in this iconic race. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of the Preakness, the typical number of horses that participate, and what to expect from this year’s event.
A Brief History of the Preakness Stakes
The Preakness Stakes has been held annually since 1873, making it one of the oldest horse racing events in the United States. The race is run over a distance of 1 3/16 miles (9.5 furlongs) on a dirt track at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. The Preakness is the second leg of the American Triple Crown, following the Kentucky Derby and preceding the Belmont Stakes.
Typical Number of Horses in the Preakness
The number of horses that participate in the Preakness Stakes can vary from year to year, but typically, there are between 8 and 14 horses in the starting gate. In recent years, the average number of horses has been around 10-11. The maximum number of horses allowed to enter the Preakness is 14, but it’s rare to see a full field. (See Also: Why Do Horses Rear Up)
Here’s a breakdown of the number of horses that have participated in the Preakness Stakes over the past 10 years:
| Year | Number of Horses |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 9 |
| 2021 | 10 |
| 2020 | 11 |
| 2019 | 13 |
| 2018 | 8 |
| 2017 | 10 |
| 2016 | 11 |
| 2015 | 8 |
| 2014 | 10 |
| 2013 | 9 |
How Horses Qualify for the Preakness
Horses can qualify for the Preakness Stakes through a variety of means, including:
- Winning the Kentucky Derby: The winner of the Kentucky Derby automatically earns a spot in the Preakness.
- Earning points in the Road to the Kentucky Derby series: Horses that accumulate points in the Road to the Kentucky Derby series, a series of prep races leading up to the Kentucky Derby, can earn a spot in the Preakness.
- Receiving an invitation from the Maryland Jockey Club: The Maryland Jockey Club, which organizes the Preakness, can extend invitations to horses that have demonstrated strong performances in other races.
- Entering through a supplemental nomination: Horse owners can pay a supplemental nomination fee to enter their horse in the Preakness, even if they didn’t earn points in the Road to the Kentucky Derby series.
This Year’s Preakness Field
As of the time of writing, the final field for the 2023 Preakness Stakes has not been officially announced. However, based on the current entries and the horses that are expected to participate, we can expect a field of around 10-12 horses.
Some of the top contenders for this year’s Preakness include:
- Fenwick, the winner of the Lexington Stakes
- Chad Brown’s highly touted colt, Early Voting
- The filly, Secret Oath, who finished third in the Kentucky Oaks
- The veteran trainer, D. Wayne Lukas’s, colt, Ethereal Road
What to Expect from This Year’s Preakness
This year’s Preakness Stakes promises to be an exciting event, with a talented field of horses vying for the top prize. With a mix of experienced horses and up-and-coming contenders, the race is wide open, and it’s difficult to predict a clear winner.
As always, the Preakness will be broadcast live on NBC, with coverage starting at 4:30 PM ET. Fans can also stream the race online through the NBC Sports app or other online platforms. (See Also: How To Treat Colic In Horses At Home)
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Preakness Stakes is one of the most prestigious horse racing events in the United States, and the number of horses that participate can vary from year to year. While the typical number of horses is around 10-11, this year’s field is expected to be around 10-12 horses strong. With a talented field of contenders, this year’s Preakness promises to be an exciting event that horse racing fans won’t want to miss.
Recap of Key Points:
- The Preakness Stakes is the second leg of the American Triple Crown.
- The typical number of horses in the Preakness is around 10-11.
- Horses can qualify for the Preakness through various means, including winning the Kentucky Derby, earning points in the Road to the Kentucky Derby series, receiving an invitation from the Maryland Jockey Club, or entering through a supplemental nomination.
- This year’s Preakness field is expected to be around 10-12 horses strong.
- The race will be broadcast live on NBC and streamed online through various platforms.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the Preakness Stakes and what to expect from this year’s event. Whether you’re a seasoned horse racing fan or just starting to learn about the sport, the Preakness is an event that’s not to be missed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical number of horses that run in the Preakness Stakes?
The typical number of horses that run in the Preakness Stakes is 10-14. However, the maximum number of horses allowed to participate is 14.
How are the horses selected to run in the Preakness Stakes?
The horses that run in the Preakness Stakes are selected based on their performance in previous races, particularly the Kentucky Derby. The top four finishers in the Kentucky Derby receive automatic bids to the Preakness Stakes. The remaining spots are filled by horses that have earned the most points in the Road to the Kentucky Derby standings. (See Also: Why Do Horses Whinny)
Can any horse run in the Preakness Stakes?
No, not any horse can run in the Preakness Stakes. Horses must meet certain eligibility requirements, such as being three years old and having started in a stakes race worth at least $75,000. Additionally, horses must be nominated to the Triple Crown series by the January 26 nomination deadline.
How do I find out which horses are running in the Preakness Stakes today?
You can find out which horses are running in the Preakness Stakes today by checking the official Preakness Stakes website, social media, or online horse racing news sources. The final entries and post positions are typically announced on the Wednesday before the race.
What time do the horses run in the Preakness Stakes?
The post time for the Preakness Stakes varies from year to year, but it is typically around 6:45 pm ET on the third Saturday in May. The exact post time will be announced in the days leading up to the race.
