The Preakness Stakes, the middle jewel of thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown, is the largest single day sporting event in the state of Maryland with attendance figures topping six-figures in eight of the last 10 years, including a record 121,263 in 2007.

The Preakness Stakes will be held at Pimlico Racecourse at May 15, 2010. The Gates Open at 8AM EST and the First Race Post Time is 10:30AM. The Preakness Post Time is 6:05PM EST.

Starting post positions for the 135th Preakness Stakes will be drawn Wednesday afternoon, May 12, 2010. Pimlico racing officials will use a pill pull, which employs a small numbered ball in a blind draw, to decide post positions for the middle jewel of racing’s Triple Crown. HRTV will broadcast it.

The Preakness post position draw is scheduled for 5 p.m. at Pimlico’s Turfside Terrace. Connections will be available for media interviews immediately following the draw.

NBC Sports exclusive coverage of the Preakness begins at 4:30 p.m. Post time for the middle leg of the Triple Crown is 6:15.

Race Details:
Distance: 1 3/16 miles (9.5 furlongs)
Track: Dirt, Left-handed
Qualification: 3-year-old
Weight: Colt/Gelding – 126 lb (57.2 kg), Filly – 121 lb (54.9 kg)
Purse: US$1.1 million

Last year’s winner was Calvin Borel on Rachel Alexandra. Watch the 2009 Preakness race replay