Maryland celebrates 151st Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park

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By Tashi McQueen
AFRO Staff Writer
tmcqueen@afro.com

The 151st Preakness Stakes, held at Laurel Park during its temporary relocation, drew hundreds to different attractions across Maryland May 15-16. 

Napoleon Solo, who entered at 10-1 odds, won the Preakness Stakes on May 16. My Miss Mo captured the Black Eyed-Susan on May 15.

The middle jewel of the Triple Crown–which includes the Preakness Stakes, Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes–shifted from its traditional home in Baltimore to Anne Arundel County, Md. 

The smaller-scale event reflected venue capacity while still drawing attendees from across the region and beyond.

The relocation spurred related programming in neighboring communities ahead of race weekend.

On May 9, Prince George’s County held a Preakness Brunch featuring Dawn Moore, first lady of Maryland, at the Gaylord National Harbor. The county also hosted a youth equestrian expo at the Brian Westbrook Foundation, a nonprofit focused on expanding youth opportunities. The expo included crowd-favorite horses, youth basketball and soccer activities, and demonstrations of fence jumping, western reining and choreographed musical rides.

As the Preakness took place, Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy (D) highlighted her jurisdiction’s equestrian heritage and proximity to Laurel Park. She emphasized the county’s historical role in horse racing and its continuing assets tied to the sport.

“We have the Prince George’s Equestrian Center, the Rosecroft Raceway … we have assets here that speak to our history, the sport and the industry in Prince George’s County, but oftentimes we don’t talk about it,” said Braveboy. “Having the Preakness close to Prince George’s County gave us that opportunity.”

According to Braveboy, the county has deep historical roots in horse racing, including early African-American jockeys and the “Cradle of Thoroughbred Racing” at Belair Mansion.

According to the city of Bowie, Belair Stable has long been referred to as the “Cradle of Thoroughbred Racing,” a title earned in the 18th century, when English thoroughbreds were shipped to the colonies and brought to Belair Mansion to “build a better thoroughbred.”

In the 20th century, Belair Stable housed Gallant Fox and his son Omaha, the only father-and-son racehorses to each win horse racing’s Triple Crown.

According to the Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council, Belair Stud Farm, founded in 1747, is a cornerstone of the region’s equestrian tradition. The farm produced legendary champions through the skill and labor of enslaved and formerly enslaved African Americans who managed and trained the horses.

“Many of our first jockeys here in Maryland and in Prince George’s County were African American,” said Braveboy. “There’s a history there that people really don’t know.”

After the Civil War, from 1875 to 1902, Black jockeys were prominent in American horse racing, winning the majority of Kentucky Derby races during that period. However, systemic racism and exclusionary practices forced many out of the sport by the early 20th century.

Braveboy also pointed to modern equestrian assets in the county, including the Washington International Horse Show (WIHS).

“We also host every year the Washington International Horse Show, which has about a $10 million impact on the local economy here in our county,” she said. 

The WIHS is a major annual equestrian competition featuring elite riders and horses from the United States and abroad. It includes show jumping, hunters and equitation classes, along with community events and youth-focused activities. It has been held in Prince George’s County, Md., since 2022, after relocating from Washington, D.C.