Recap of the 2021 Preakness Stakes

The Preakness Stakes is the second jewel of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing. It runs on the 3rd Saturday in May, two weeks after the Kentucky Derby and three weeks before the Belmont Stakes.

On May 15, 2021, the 146th Preakness Stakes was held at Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore. Let us fill you in on everything you have missed about the Preakness Stakes 2021.

The Winner

The 2021 Preakness Stakes champion is Rombauer, the horse named after a Napa Valley vineyard. Unfortunately, leading to this winning moment, Rombauer was caught in a controversy. As a result, he did not race in the Kentucky Derby.

As such, Rombauer had no stake in the drug-testing commotion that tossed the result into controversy and pined over into the Preakness Stakes. All Rombauer knew before the race was to run down the favorites, which he did.

Jockey Flavien Prat outpaced Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit and co-favorites Midnight Bourbon for a 3½-length victory. Midnight Bourbon finished second, and Medina Spirit faded to third place.

Moreover, did you know that Rombauer, a three-year-old colt, was supposed to be on sale last spring? Well, fortunately, the pandemic canceled the sale. Nevertheless, the triumph of Rombauer demonstrates how bottom-of-the-ladder players in this game can be successful as well, according to an interview of the horse’s trainer Mike McCarthy.

Many horse racing fanatics believe the right horse won. Insiders were supporting anyone but Medina Spirit after the failed drug test of the colt. As a result, many people have called for the Maryland officials and trainer Bob Baffert to keep Medina Spirit out of the race.

But after days of discussions among lawyers, Bob Baffert was permitted to enter two horses in the Preakness Stakes. Surprisingly, Baffert was not seen at the Pimlico grounds, choosing to stay away and not cause any distraction due to the controversy.

Rombauer (11-1) paid $5.20 to show, $10 to place, and $25.60 to win. Meanwhile, Midnight Bourbon set off at 3-1 paid out $3 to show and $4.60 to place. Lastly, Medina Spirit set off at 2-1 paid $2.80 to show.

Rombauer’s victory means there’ll be no Triple Crown winner. Here is the order of finish for the race:

Be ready for next year’s Preakness Stakes and read the tvg guide to betting on the Preakness to learn how to bet efficiently.

Was There An Audience?

Last year’s Preakness Stakes was moved to October, and people were not allowed to watch. But this year, spectators were allowed to attend the Preakness Stakes. However, the attendance was capped at 10,000 people because of the pandemic.

All ticket holders have designated seats. What’s more, there were no building access tickets, standing room tickets, and general admission tickets sold. In addition, the Pimlico Race Course was divided into specific spectator sections, and crossovers were not allowed.

COVID-19 questionnaires and temperature checks were administered at the gates, and hand sanitizing stations, plexiglass barriers, and social distancing signage were placed around the track. Although the attendance is limited, the excitement of the race isn’t.

Many local government leaders came to the event, including Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and Maryland Governor Larry Hogan. Moreover, several celebrities were spotted, regardless of how limited the audience is, such as Tyler Cameron from The Bachelorette’s season 15. A few Ravens players were also in attendance.

What About the InfieldFest?

InfieldFest was replaced with Preakness Live this year. It is a socially distant and safe concert experience. Attendees gathered in pods of eight people, guaranteeing a socially distant environment.

Preakness Live was live-streamed and ran simultaneously with the NBC broadcast featuring world-renowned entertainers. The headliners were DJ D-Nice and rapper 2 Chainz. In addition, guests can use an app to meet with a virtual handicapper, place bets on races, and order food to the infield.

Prohibited Items

Here’s a list of items that are not allowed at the Preakness Stakes:

• Duffel bags and backpacks
• Bulk devices
• Ladders
• Selfie sticks
• Drones
• Umbrellas
• Tents
• Outside beverage or food
• Glass containers
• Weapons or drugs
• Barbecues
• Frisbees, balls, and balloons
• Wheeled carts or hand carts

Also, vaping and smoking are prohibited in all seating sections. Instead, guests must use the assigned smoking areas.

Takeaway

The 2021 Preakness Stakes returned as the second race of the Triple Crown last May 15, after an unprecedented race last year. And storming to a Preakness victory, Rombauer ended the Triple Crown bid of Kentucky Derby’s winner, Medina Spirit.

The new Preakness Stakes champion was two lengths behind the stretch before gaining on in a blur to win the bed of Black-Eyed Susans for trainer Mike McCarthy and owners John and Diane Fradkin.