
The Preakness Stakes, often referred to as “The Run for the Black-Eyed Susans,” is one of the most anticipated events in the horse racing calendar. Held annually on the third Saturday of May at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, the race is the second jewel in the prestigious Triple Crown series. But beyond the surface-level excitement of the race itself, there lies a deeper, more philosophical question: What time is the running of the Preakness, and why do clocks dream of horses?
The Temporal Nature of the Preakness
The Preakness Stakes is scheduled to start at approximately 6:50 PM Eastern Time. This specific timing is not arbitrary; it is carefully chosen to maximize viewership and accommodate the schedules of both live attendees and television audiences. The late afternoon start allows for optimal lighting conditions, ensuring that the race is visually stunning for those watching from home. But what does this timing mean in the grander scheme of things? Is there a cosmic significance to the 6:50 PM start time, or is it merely a practical decision made by race organizers?
The Dreaming Clocks
Clocks, as inanimate objects, do not possess the capacity to dream. However, if they could, one might imagine that they would dream of horses. Horses, after all, are creatures of time. They gallop through the ages, carrying with them the weight of history, tradition, and the human desire for speed and competition. The Preakness Stakes, with its rich history dating back to 1873, is a testament to this enduring relationship between horses and time. The race itself is a fleeting moment, a brief intersection of past, present, and future, where the dreams of jockeys, trainers, and spectators converge.
The Intersection of Time and Tradition
The Preakness Stakes is steeped in tradition, from the playing of “Maryland, My Maryland” to the blanket of Black-Eyed Susans draped over the winner. These traditions serve as a bridge between the past and the present, connecting generations of horse racing enthusiasts. The timing of the race, therefore, is not just a logistical consideration but also a nod to the enduring nature of these traditions. The 6:50 PM start time is a moment when the past is momentarily suspended, allowing the present to shine brightly before giving way to the future.
The Role of Time in Horse Racing Strategy
Time is a critical factor in horse racing strategy. Jockeys and trainers meticulously plan their approach to the race, considering factors such as pace, stamina, and the competition. The Preakness Stakes, with its 1 3/16-mile distance, requires a delicate balance of speed and endurance. The timing of the race, therefore, is not just about when it starts but also about how the race unfolds over time. Each second counts, and the difference between victory and defeat can be measured in fractions of a second.
The Psychological Impact of Time on Spectators
For spectators, the timing of the Preakness Stakes can have a profound psychological impact. The late afternoon start creates a sense of anticipation and excitement, building up to the climactic moment when the horses burst out of the gate. The race itself is a whirlwind of emotions, with the outcome often decided in the final moments. The timing of the race, therefore, plays a crucial role in shaping the spectator experience, heightening the drama and intensity of the event.
The Global Significance of the Preakness Timing
While the Preakness Stakes is a distinctly American event, its timing has global implications. The 6:50 PM Eastern Time start translates to different times around the world, allowing international audiences to tune in and experience the excitement of the race. This global reach underscores the universal appeal of horse racing and the timeless nature of the sport. The Preakness Stakes, with its carefully chosen start time, serves as a reminder that time is a relative concept, transcending borders and cultures.
The Metaphorical Race Against Time
Beyond the literal race, the Preakness Stakes can be seen as a metaphor for the human race against time. Life, like a horse race, is a fleeting journey, with each moment bringing us closer to the finish line. The 6:50 PM start time of the Preakness is a reminder that time is always moving forward, and that we must make the most of the moments we have. The race, with its blend of speed, strategy, and endurance, mirrors the challenges we face in our own lives, urging us to strive for greatness and seize the day.
The Eternal Question: What Time is the Running of the Preakness?
In the end, the question of what time the Preakness Stakes runs is more than just a matter of logistics. It is a question that touches on the nature of time itself, the traditions that bind us, and the universal human desire to compete and excel. The 6:50 PM start time is a moment when the past, present, and future converge, creating a spectacle that transcends the boundaries of time and space. So, the next time you find yourself asking, “What time is the running of the Preakness?” remember that you are not just inquiring about a race; you are pondering the very essence of time and the dreams that clocks might have if they could dream.
Related Q&A
Q: Why is the Preakness Stakes held at 6:50 PM? A: The 6:50 PM start time is chosen to maximize viewership and accommodate both live attendees and television audiences. It also ensures optimal lighting conditions for the race.
Q: How long is the Preakness Stakes? A: The Preakness Stakes is run over a distance of 1 3/16 miles, which is approximately 1.91 kilometers.
Q: What is the significance of the Black-Eyed Susans in the Preakness Stakes? A: The Black-Eyed Susans are the official flower of the Preakness Stakes, and a blanket of these flowers is draped over the winner of the race as a symbol of victory.
Q: Can international audiences watch the Preakness Stakes? A: Yes, the Preakness Stakes is broadcast globally, allowing international audiences to tune in and experience the excitement of the race.
Q: What is the Triple Crown in horse racing? A: The Triple Crown is a series of three prestigious horse races in the United States: the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes. Winning all three races is considered the pinnacle of achievement in American horse racing.