Spectator-free US Triple Crown: No fans for Preakness

BALTIMORE (AP):

THE PREAKNESS Stakes will be run at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore on October 3 without fans, making it a spectator-free sweep of the three Triple Crown races this year because of the global pandemic.

The Maryland Jockey Club and Stronach Group that owns and manages Pimlico made the announcement Wednesday that fans wouldn’t be allowed in for the Preakness that was rescheduled from its original May 16 date.

Stronach Group chairman and president Belinda Stronach said the company and the Maryland racing authorities had been working with state and local health officials to set a plan for the Preakness. Ultimately, the move was made to limit the race-day to essential personnel only.

‘While we had hoped to be able to welcome fans as we have for the past 145 years, the health and safety of our guests, horsemen, riders, team members and the community at large is, and will always be, our top priority.’

‘’While we had hoped to be able to welcome fans as we have for the past 145 years, the health and safety of our guests, horsemen, riders, team members and the community at large is, and will always be, our top priority,’’ Stronach said in a statement.

The Preakness follows the lead of the Belmont Stakes and Kentucky Derby in not allowing fans to attend. With the races being run out of order, the Belmont took place June 20 in New York without fans, and while Churchill Downs originally moved the Kentucky Derby to September 5, hoping fans could attend, it adjusted to limited attendance and then finally to none.

After winning the Belmont, Tiz the Law is a heavy favourite in the Derby this Saturday. If he wins, he’d be going for the Triple Crown at the Preakness, which is the third of the three American classic races, for the first time.

Fans who already bought tickets to the Preakness can transfer them to the 2021 Preakness or get a full refund.