The Maryland Jockey Club "reported record attendance of 131,680" for Saturday's Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course, "as well as an increase in pari-mutuel handle from last year's event," according to Tom LaMarra of BLOODHORSE.com. The attendance "topped last year's record of 123,469." Total handle this year was $85.16M, up 1.64% from $83.78M in '14, but still below the record of $91.02M set in '05. This year's wagering total "is the sixth-highest in Preakness history" (BLOODHORSE.com, 5/16). Event organizers said that the Preakness attracted more than $2M in corporate sponsorship and "had no more room for hospitality tents." In Baltimore, Jeff Barker wrote local residents "eagerly embraced the 140th Preakness' boisterous daylong festivities, which came less than three weeks after the city was torn by riots and looting." MJC VP & GM Sal Sinatra said that track officials "did 'meet a little more than usual' to discuss security matters but reported no unusual concerns." The Preakness "offered a chance for thousands to come together and cut loose," and before the rain came, the infield "was crowded with fans enjoying music and drinks." However, a few glitches "marred the day," as a water pipe "burst in late afternoon, shutting down water to some of the grandstand," and long lines formed at working restrooms (Baltimore SUN, 5/17).
MUD RUN: In Baltimore, Childs Walker noted the sky "opening less than 30 minutes before post time" created "small rivers along the rail" and led to the first Preakness run under sloppy track conditions since '83. Sinatra said that he "opted against a delay because the horses were saddled and 'nothing indicated that the conditions would deteriorate any further'" (Baltimore SUN, 5/17). On Long Island, Ed McNamara wrote there was "far more drama in the hour before the gates opened than after they did." At 5:29pm ET, lightning "flashed, and light rain began at 5:53." At 6:06, the infield "was evacuated, and at 6:13, sheets of rain made the backstretch nearly invisible" (NEWSDAY, 5/17). Sinatra said if the weather had continued to worsen, they "were prepared to evacuate at any time." He added, "Fortunately, despite the wind and rain, things slowly cleared up." In Baltimore, Don Markus noted trainer Mark Casse "thought that officials could have waited a few minutes for conditions to improve." As things turned out, the skies "had started to clear by the time the race ended" (Baltimore SUN, 5/17).
MOVING DAY? NBC's Bob Costas noted the water pipe breaking is the latest question surrounding Pimlico Race Course, which "though it has its charms, after all is 145 years old." An idea that has "been advanced for years -- moving the Preakness to the more modern Laurel Park 29 miles away -- has gained some momentum even as such a move would trigger an intense political battle here in Maryland” (“Preakness Stakes,” NBC, 5/16). Sinatra before the race said that as much as he would "prefer to keep the race in Baltimore, it might make more sense" to move it to Laurel Park. Sinatra: "I'd say Laurel is in the lead (to host the Preakness). My goal is to try and not let that happen. ... I don't think it's the last Preakness here, that's for sure." He added of Pimlico, "This building is old, you just can't add suites to it. It's almost a rebuild here, where Laurel is a pretty healthy building. Laurel you can renovate, so that plays into it as well. ... Obviously, we have more acreage over at Laurel than we do here." Sinatra said that wherever the Stronach Group "decides to rebuild, renovations would likely begin in 'June or July'" (Baltimore SUN, 5/17).
