The race for the Triple Crown is heating up as we head to the 2024 Preakness Stakes. After an exciting photo-finish win at the Kentucky Derby, all eyes are on Mystik Dan. Will he secure another victory and move closer to the Triple Crown, or will another horse take the spotlight at the Preakness?

Here's everything you need to know about the 2024 Preakness Stakes.

What is the Preakness Stakes?

The Preakness Stakes is a crucial horse race and the second part of horse racing’s Triple Crown. It comes after the Kentucky Derby and before the Belmont Stakes. The race is 1 3/16 miles long and tests the speed and endurance of three-year-old horses.

The 149th edition of this historic race features nine races all day long, with the main event being the Preakness Stakes. This race is crucial for any horse hoping to win the Triple Crown, making it an exciting event for horse racing fans.

Where is the Preakness Stakes?

The Preakness Stakes occur yearly at the historic Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. Famous for its lively atmosphere, Pimlico can host about 110,000 spectators on Preakness Day, making it an electrifying event for race fans.

Prize Money

The total purse for the 2024 Preakness Stakes is $2 million, making it one of the wealthiest races in American horse racing. This significant prize ensures fierce competition and attracts top-tier talent. The winner receives approximately 60% of the purse, or $1.2 million, while the runner-up gets 20% ($400,000). The third-place finisher earns 10% ($200,000), with fourth and fifth places receiving 5% ($100,000) and 3% ($60,000), respectively. 

2024 Preakness Stakes Schedule

The Preakness Stakes weekend is packed with exciting races and festivities, making it a highlight of the horse racing calendar. The 2024 schedule promises thrilling races and memorable moments over two action-filled days. Here's a detailed look at the races scheduled for Friday, May 17, and Saturday, May 18, leading up to the main event: the 149th Preakness Stakes.

Friday, May 17, 2024

• THE VERY ONE STAKES - This race is for fillies and mares and covers 5 furlongs on turf.
• THE HILLTOP STAKES - A race for fillies, running 1 mile on turf.
• $250,000 Guaranteed THE PIMLICO SPECIAL G3 - Open to three-year-olds and upward, this race is 1 3/16 miles on dirt.
• THE GEORGE E. MITCHELL BLACK-EYED SUSAN STAKES G2 - A race for fillies, covering 1 1/8 miles on dirt.
• THE ALLAIRE DUPONT DISTAFF STAKES - A race for fillies and mares, running 1 1/8 miles on dirt.
• THE MISS PREAKNESS STAKES G3 - This race covers 6 furlongs on dirt for fillies.

Saturday, May 18, 2024

• THE JIM McKAY TURF SPRINT - Open to three-year-olds and upward, covering 5 furlongs on turf.
• THE DINNER PARTY STAKES G3 - Running 1 1/8 miles on turf for three-year-olds and upward.
• THE GALLORETTE STAKES G3 - A race for fillies and mares, covering 1 1/16 miles on turf.
• THE JAMES W. MURPHY STAKES - Open to three-year-olds, running 1 mile on turf.
• THE SKIPAT STAKES - Cover 6 furlongs on dirt for fillies and mares.
• THE MARYLAND SPRINT STAKES G3 - Open to three-year-olds and upward, running 6 furlongs on dirt.
• THE CHICK LANG STAKES G3 - Covering 6 furlongs on dirt for three-year-olds.
• THE SIR BARTON STAKES - Open to three-year-olds, running 1 1/16 miles on dirt.
• THE PREAKNESS STAKES G1 - The day's main event, open to three-year-olds, covering 1 3/16 miles on dirt.

How to Watch the 2024 Preakness Stakes

If you can't attend in person, you can watch the Preakness Stakes live on NBC at 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 18. Additional coverage will be available on CNBC and Peacock from 1:30-4:30 p.m. ET. You can stream the races on Peacock, NBCSports.com, and the NBC Sports app. Coverage of the Black-Eyed Susan begins at 4:30 p.m. ET on Friday, May 17, exclusively on Peacock.

2024 Preakness Stakes Horses

The lineup for the 2024 Preakness Stakes is filled with top contenders. Although a notable contender, Mystik Dan is not the favorite this year. Renowned trainer Bob Baffert returns to the Preakness with two entries after missing the Kentucky Derby: Muth, the 8-5 2024 Preakness bets favorite, and Imagination listed at 6-1. Other horses to watch include:

• Mugatu
• Uncle Heavy
• Catching Freedom
• Muth
• Mystik Dan
• Seize The Grey
• Just Steel
• Tuscan Gold
• Imagination

These horses bring diverse backgrounds and strengths, promising an exciting and competitive race.

Takeaway

The 2024 Preakness Stakes is a thrilling event showcasing some of the best talents in horse racing. Whether you're a seasoned racing fan or a newcomer, the Preakness Stakes offers an exhilarating experience. Mark your calendars for May 17-18, and don’t miss the action at Pimlico Race Course or home. Enjoy the races, place your bets wisely, and immerse yourself in the excitement of the Preakness Stakes.