Horse racing excitement is set to continue tonight when the second part of the Triple Crown launches at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. The Preakness Stakes, also known as the annual run for the Black-Eyed Susans, comes just two weeks after the season kicked off with the Kentucky Derby. The winner of that May 3 race, Sovereignty, will not be partaking in Saturday’s race, eliminating the chance for a Triple-Crown winner this year. Still, excitement is high for this year’s Preakness Stakes as nine horses are set to hit the track. Do you want to know how, where and when to watch the 2025 annual Preakness Stakes? Below, we’ll break down all the details you need to know now.
What time does the 2025 Preakness Stakes race start?
Saturday night’s main race is set to start at **7:01 p.m. ET**, just four minutes after the Derby typically begins, although this is a fluid time and viewers are advised to tune in earlier or they could risk missing the exciting **1 and 3/16 mile-long race**.
How can I watch the 2025 Preakness Stakes on TV?
Racing action begins at **2:00 p.m. ET** on **CNBC** before shifting to **NBC** at **4:00 p.m. ET** on Saturday. Fans can also catch the thrilling races on the **Peacock app**.
Where can I stream the 2025 Preakness Stakes?
If you don’t have cable, don’t worry. You can stream all of the racing from Pimlico on Saturday via the **Peacock app**. Coverage, according to NBC, will start on the app at **2:00 p.m. ET** and go right through the main race and all of the post-race coverage, discussions, and analysis.
Whether you’re a horse racing fan, more of a **football fanatic**, or prefer **NASCAR**, Peacock has you covered. With plans as low as **$7.99 monthly** or an annual subscription for under **$25**, this is the smart and cost-effective way to watch all of the sports you love for a price and convenience that can’t be matched. Get started with Peacock here today.
What’s the lineup of horses for this year’s Preakness Stakes?
Here are the horses in this year’s race, listed in order of post position:
- Goal Oriented
- Journalism
- American Promise
- Heart of Honor
- Pay Billy
- River Thames
- Sandman
- Clever Again
- Gosger
What’s the 2025 Preakness Stakes purse?
The total purse for the race stands at **$2 million**, with the winner securing **$1.2 million** of that amount. The second-place horse will receive **$400,000** with the third-place horse earning **$220,000**, the fourth-place making **$120,000**, and the fifth-place horse winning **$60,000**.
Why is the Preakness Stakes so important?
The **Preakness Stakes** is not just another horse race; it is a significant event in the horse racing calendar and one of the most celebrated. Part of the **Triple Crown**, this race showcases some of the best talent in the sport. Winning the Preakness is a prestigious achievement that remains etched in the history of horse racing. Horse racing is deeply embedded in American culture, and the Preakness symbolizes the thrill, glamour, and unpredictability of the sport.
The race attracts thousands of enthusiastic fans, fostering a vibrant yet competitive atmosphere at the Pimlico Race Course. From sophisticated hats and tailored suits to casual attire, the diversity in fashion at the Preakness offers a feast for the eyes. Fans eagerly gather to watch the race while enjoying entertainment, gambling, and culinary delights offered at the track. This gathering forms a **community** of racing enthusiasts who share a passion for the sport.
The significance of the Black-Eyed Susans
The award-winning victory garland made of **Black-Eyed Susans** is a historic symbol of the Preakness Stakes. These vibrant yellow flowers link back to the tradition established in the **1930s** when they became the official flowers of the race. The winner is adorned with this beautiful wreath, further adding to the grandeur of the event.
As a staple of the event, spectators enjoy learning about the flower’s significance, often engaging in conversation about its **folklore** and symbolism in American history. The Black-Eyed Susans serve not only as a vibrant display but also as a reminder of the rich traditions that surround this remarkable event.
Expectations for the 2025 race
With an exciting lineup of **nine contenders**, the stakes are high for this year’s race. Each horse brings its unique history and pedigree to the Preakness, creating an exhilarating atmosphere for both seasoned bettors and casual viewers. The anticipation leading up to the race is palpable, with everyone keeping an eye on the odds and performance histories of each competitor.
Races like the Preakness Stakes offer a unique combination of athleticism, strategy, and unpredictability, making it an exciting event for attendees and viewers alike. As the race approaches, the communities surrounding horse racing hold their breath, eager for the next chapter in this century-old tradition to be written.