Preakness

ness when he loosened attendance restrictions on the state’s racetracks and stadiums. The governor has pointed to a May Preakness as one sign of Maryland’s slow return to normalcy and has said he plans to present the Woodlawn Vase to the winner on May 15.

“I want to thank 1/ST and The Maryland Jockey Club for working to ensure that all the proper safety and public health protocols will be in place for Preakness 146,” Hogan said in a statement Tuesday.

Asked about fans returning at a news conference Tuesday afternoon, Hogan, said: “I think it’s going to be wonderful having people safely back enjoying the race.”

Mayor Brandon Scott also praised the Jockey Club’s efforts to make the event safe.

“The Preakness is a Baltimore staple and the center of American horse racing since 1870. I am excited to welcome fans back to Pimlico Race Course in Park Heights,” he said in a statement. “Sustaining the health and safety of Baltimore residents is my top priority, and I am confident the staff at 1/ ST and the Maryland Jockey Club will protect the health of fans by following the safety guidelines set forth by the City of Baltimore and State of Maryland.”

The Preakness will come about five weeks after the Orioles host 11,000 fans for their home opener at Camden Yards and two weeks after the Kentucky Derby runs with a crowd at 40%-50% capacity in reserved seating areas.

The Preakness drew a crowd of 131,256 to Pimlico in 2019 and is generally the most attended sporting event in Maryland.

With no patrons on hand to watch the filly Swiss Skydiver outduel Derby champion Authentic last fall, betting handle for the Preakness Day card fell 48.7% to $51.2 million.

The smaller crowd will also reduce the economic impact of the race, estimated at $30 million to $40 million in past years and projected to exceed $50 million once Pimlico is redeveloped to include more premium seating, according to a study released in 2019 by the University of Baltimore.