It's that time of year again -- can you hear the thundering of the hooves? Yep, Preakness has arrived in Baltimore once more, and it's always exciting. Whether you're headed to the racetrack or you're just going to catch the excitement on TV, you'll impress everyone around you with your expertise on this yearly event, thanks to our fun fact round-up.
1. The winning horses have had some...interesting names.
Thoroughbreds are known for two things -- their speed and their elaborate and sometimes silly names. Sure, we've had plenty of Preakness winners with super-cool monikers, like Man o' War, Sly Fox, and the most recent Triple Crown winner American Pharaoh. But there are also some oddballs like Bally Ache, Tabasco Cat (apparently his mom was named Barbicue Sauce and his dad was Storm Cat) and the rather plain old Harold. If only we could enter a horse in the Preakness called Route One...
He'd look just like this! Buy the print here.
2. The fastest finisher at the race was Secretariat.
In fact, this wonder horse has the official record for all three of the Triple Crown races! Secretariat finished the Preakness in 1:53 in 1973, and he's still got the record. (Other horses have technically finished the race in less time, but that was when the running distance was shorter.) Other horses have come very close, though, and maybe this year we'll see a new record be set!
And they're off! We bet the horses speeding past will set your tie a-fluttering.
3. The 'race for the Black-Eyed Susans' uses....no actual Black-Eyed Susans.
Sorry, everyone! They're not in season yet, blooming in mid-to-late summer. Instead, the winning horse is draped with a garland of flowers that look similar enough for the photos, viking poms. We guess it's the thought that counts. (Since the winner gets $1.5 in purse money, they can buy whatever flowers they like later!)
Luckily, we have no shortage of Black-Eyed Susans in our products!
4. Get fancy...or don't.
Fancy hats and spring pastels are common sights on race day. People love dressing up for the occasion, and feathers, bows and fascinators are all fair game! But the Infieldfest offers a chance to let your hair (or your hat) down in a party atmosphere. This year, Post Malone and ODESZA will be headlining the show.
You'll look pretty great at Infieldfest wearing this!
5. Get into the spirit with Route One!
We have a huge collection of Preakness-related items for sale, so you can be ready for race day in style! Whether you're dressing up or dressing down, we offer everything from cufflinks to bottle openers, and plenty of clothing, too! Check out everything we have to offer -- and don't forget to pick a winner!
