Introduction
You set your alarm. You invited your friends. You picked your horse. Then you missed the start because you did not know the exact Preakness post time. That is a frustrating feeling, and it happens more often than you think.
The Preakness Stakes is one of the most exciting days in American sports. It is the second leg of the Triple Crown, held annually at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. Every year, thousands of fans watch the race either live at the track or from home. But without knowing the correct Preakness post time, all that excitement can turn into disappointment in seconds.
This article covers everything you need to know. You will learn the typical Preakness post time, how the race day schedule works, what factors can cause delays, how to watch the race, and expert tips to make the most of the day. Whether you are a first-time viewer or a seasoned racing fan, this guide has you covered from start to finish.
What Is the Preakness Stakes?
The Preakness Stakes is a Grade I thoroughbred horse race run over a distance of one and three-sixteenth miles. It has been held since 1873, making it one of the oldest and most celebrated horse races in the United States. The race takes place just two weeks after the Kentucky Derby, which keeps the Triple Crown chase alive and the excitement sky-high.
Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore has been the traditional home of the Preakness Stakes for over a century. The track carries enormous history, charm, and a loyal fan base that shows up in full force every May.
Quick Facts: Distance: 1 3/16 miles | Surface: Dirt | Location: Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore, MD | Purse: Approximately $2 million | Week: Two weeks after the Kentucky Derby
Preakness Post Time: When Does the Race Actually Start?
The Preakness post time is typically set for around 6:00 to 7:00 PM ET on the third Saturday in May. The exact time shifts slightly from year to year based on television broadcast schedules, weather conditions, and the overall race card lineup for the day.
For the 2025 Preakness Stakes, the scheduled Preakness post time was approximately 6:51 PM ET. NBC Sports and Peacock covered the broadcast, which also influenced the timing. If you are planning your day around the race, you should always check the official Pimlico website or the network airing the event for the confirmed post time closer to race day.
Why Does the Post Time Change Year to Year?
The Preakness post time is not fixed in stone. Several factors influence when the starting gates open for the main event.
- Television broadcast windows: Networks like NBC and Peacock negotiate specific windows for maximum viewership. The post time gets aligned with prime-time slots when possible.
- Number of races on the card: Pimlico hosts multiple undercard races throughout the day. The number and length of those races directly affect when the main event begins.
- Weather delays: Rain, lightning, or extreme weather can push the Preakness post time back by thirty minutes or more.
- Parade and ceremony timing: Pre-race ceremonies, the singing of “Maryland My Maryland,” and the walking ring presentations all take time and are built into the schedule.
- Track conditions: The track crew may need additional time to groom the surface between races, which can cause small but meaningful delays.
Full Preakness Race Day Schedule
The Preakness post time is the headline event, but race day at Pimlico is a full day of action. Knowing the complete schedule helps you plan your arrival, your bets, and your watch party at home.
Typical Race Day Timeline
- Morning: Gates open for general admission. Trackside entertainment begins early.
- 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM ET: Early undercard races begin. These are smaller stakes and allowance races.
- 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM ET: Mid-card races continue. This is when serious handicappers start studying the field.
- 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM ET: Key prep races and graded stakes run. The atmosphere builds significantly.
- 5:00 PM ET: Pre-race ceremonies begin on NBC or Peacock. The Preakness post parade and introductions take place.
- 6:45 to 7:00 PM ET: Horses enter the starting gate for the main event.
- Approximately 6:50 to 7:05 PM ET: The Preakness post time arrives. The race runs in under two minutes.
- After the race: Trophy presentation, winner’s circle ceremony, and post-race analysis on broadcast.
Keep in mind that this is a general guide. The official Preakness post time for your specific year may differ by fifteen to thirty minutes in either direction. Always confirm the schedule through official sources.
How to Watch the Preakness Stakes
You have several ways to catch the Preakness post time moment live, whether you are at the track, at home, or on your phone.
Television Broadcast
NBC Sports has long been the home of the Preakness Stakes. In recent years, the Peacock streaming service has carried extended coverage, including behind-the-scenes access and early race card analysis. The main race typically airs on NBC with a window of about two to three hours of pre-race programming.
Streaming Options
- Peacock: The official streaming home for full Preakness coverage.
- FuboTV: Carries NBC Sports and allows live streaming on mobile or TV.
- YouTube TV: Another solid option for cord-cutters who want access to NBC.
- Hulu + Live TV: Includes NBC and NBC Sports in its channel lineup.
At the Track
Attending Pimlico in person is one of the best experiences in all of American sports. General admission, reserved seating, and premium club options are available. If you plan to attend, arrive early. Parking fills up fast, and the infield crowd can reach tens of thousands of fans. You will want to be settled well before the Preakness post time arrives.
Betting on the Race
You can place bets on the Preakness Stakes through licensed online platforms like TwinSpires, TVG, or BetAmerica, as well as at legal sportsbooks in states where horse racing wagering is permitted. Make sure you place your wagers before the Preakness post time, as windows close when the horses load into the gate.
Preakness Post Time vs. Kentucky Derby: What Is Different?
Both races are part of the Triple Crown, but there are real differences between them that every fan should understand.
Post Time Comparison
- Kentucky Derby post time: Typically around 6:57 PM ET on the first Saturday in May.
- Preakness post time: Usually around 6:45 to 7:00 PM ET on the third Saturday in May.
- Belmont Stakes post time: Typically around 6:45 PM ET in early June.
The Kentucky Derby draws a slightly larger television audience, which sometimes pushes it to a later window. The Preakness runs in a similar time range. The Belmont Stakes, held at a longer distance, follows a comparable schedule.
Track Differences
Churchill Downs in Louisville hosts the Kentucky Derby. Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore hosts the Preakness. The tracks have different surface conditions, turn configurations, and crowd capacities. Pimlico is a shorter track with tighter turns, which means speed horses sometimes have an edge in the Preakness.
Tips for Making the Most of Preakness Day
Now that you know the Preakness post time and the full schedule, here are a few tips to help you enjoy the day without any stress.
If You Are Watching at Home
- Tune in at least one hour before the scheduled Preakness post time. The pre-race coverage includes expert analysis, paddock walks, and condition reports you do not want to miss.
- Set a reminder on your phone for thirty minutes before the post time. Broadcast schedules shift, and an alert keeps you from missing the start.
- Follow official sources like NBC Sports, Pimlico, or the National Thoroughbred Racing Association on social media for real-time updates.
- If you are hosting a watch party, prepare your snacks and drinks well before the Preakness post time. The race itself lasts under two minutes. You do not want to be in the kitchen when it happens.
If You Are Attending in Person
- Arrive at Pimlico at least four hours before the Preakness post time. Traffic is heavy and parking is competitive.
- Check the weather forecast the night before. Pimlico is an outdoor track, and Baltimore weather in May can be unpredictable.
- Bring cash. Not all vendors at the track accept cards, especially in the infield.
- Study the racing form for the undercard races. Winning a few early bets makes the wait for the main event even more enjoyable.
- Stake out your viewing spot early. The rail near the finish line fills up fast.
Betting Strategy Around Post Time
Smart bettors know that odds shift dramatically in the minutes leading up to the Preakness post time. Late money from sharp bettors often moves the board in the final five to ten minutes. If you like a longshot, placing your bet early sometimes locks in better value before the price drops.
For exotic bets like exactas and trifectas, box your top choices to give yourself multiple winning combinations. The Preakness field is typically smaller than the Kentucky Derby field, which makes exotic wagering slightly more manageable.
History and Significance of the Preakness Stakes
The Preakness Stakes carries a weight of history that makes every running special. The race was first run on May 27, 1873, at Pimlico Race Course. It was named after a horse called Preakness that won the Dinner Party Stakes at Pimlico in 1870. The name stuck, and the race became one of the most beloved fixtures in American sports.
Notable Preakness winners include Secretariat, who ran the race in 1:53 flat in 1973 en route to the Triple Crown. Other legends like Seattle Slew, Affirmed, and American Pharoah all passed through the Pimlico winner’s circle. Justify, who swept the Triple Crown in 2018, also stamped his place in Preakness history.
The Preakness post time moment, when the gates fly open and the horses burst onto the track, connects every fan to more than 150 years of thoroughbred racing tradition. It is two minutes of history made new every single May.
Common Mistakes to Avoid on Preakness Day
Even experienced horse racing fans make avoidable mistakes around the Preakness post time. Here is what to watch out for.
- Relying on last year’s post time: The Preakness post time shifts every year. Do not assume it is the same as the previous year without checking.
- Ignoring time zones: The Preakness runs on Eastern Time. If you are on the West Coast, that means a mid-afternoon race start for you. Plan accordingly.
- Waiting too long to place bets: Wagering windows close at the Preakness post time. Log in early and confirm your bets are accepted well before the gates open.
- Missing the pre-race ceremonies: The singing of the official state song, the post parade, and jockey introductions are all part of the experience. Missing them means missing half the magic.
- Not having a backup stream: Technical issues happen. Have a secondary streaming option ready in case your primary feed goes down right before the Preakness post time.
Conclusion
The Preakness post time is the anchor of one of America’s greatest sporting events. Knowing exactly when the race starts means you never miss the opening break from the gate. It means you place your bets on time. It means you are ready when history happens.
This guide walked you through the typical Preakness post time window, the full race day schedule at Pimlico, your best options for watching the race, and practical tips for fans at the track and at home. You also learned how the Preakness compares to the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes, and how to avoid the most common mistakes on race day.
The Preakness is more than a race. It is a tradition built over 150 years, and the Preakness post time is the moment all of that history comes to life. Mark your calendar, set your reminders, and enjoy every second of it.
Are you planning to watch the Preakness this year from the infield at Pimlico or from your couch? Share your race day plans and let the community know which horse you are backing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Preakness Post Time
1. What time does the Preakness Stakes start?
The Preakness post time is typically between 6:00 and 7:00 PM ET on the third Saturday in May. The exact time varies by year, so always confirm through the official Pimlico website or the NBC Sports broadcast schedule.
2. What channel shows the Preakness Stakes?
NBC and Peacock carry the Preakness Stakes. NBC broadcasts the main race, while Peacock provides extended coverage including undercard races and behind-the-scenes access.
3. How long does the Preakness Stakes race last?
The race itself runs for approximately one minute and fifty to fifty-five seconds. However, the full race day experience at Pimlico spans from morning through early evening.
4. How does the Preakness post time compare to the Kentucky Derby?
Both races have a post time in the 6:45 to 7:00 PM ET range. The Kentucky Derby is held on the first Saturday in May, and the Preakness follows two weeks later on the third Saturday in May.
5. Can weather affect the Preakness post time?
Yes. Rain, lightning, or severe weather can delay the Preakness post time by thirty minutes or more. The track crew must also have time to prepare the surface between events.
6. Where can I stream the Preakness Stakes online?
You can stream the Preakness on Peacock, FuboTV, YouTube TV, and Hulu + Live TV. All of these platforms include access to NBC or NBC Sports in their standard channel lineups.
7. How early should I arrive at Pimlico for the Preakness?
Plan to arrive at least four hours before the Preakness post time. Traffic builds heavily throughout the day, and premium viewing spots near the rail fill up early.
8. When do betting windows close for the Preakness?
Wagering closes at the official Preakness post time when the horses load into the starting gate. Place all bets at least five to ten minutes before the scheduled post time to avoid cutoff issues.
9. What is the distance of the Preakness Stakes?
The Preakness Stakes is run over a distance of one and three-sixteenth miles on the dirt track at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland.
10. Has the Preakness post time ever been significantly changed?
Yes. Television contracts and broadcast scheduling have shifted the Preakness post time over the decades. In earlier eras, the race ran in the afternoon. Today it runs in the early evening to capture a larger prime-time television audience.
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Email: johanharwen314@gmail.com
Author Name: Hamid Ali
About the Author: Hamid Ali is a seasoned sports writer and horse racing enthusiast with over a decade of experience covering thoroughbred racing, Triple Crown events, and sports betting strategy. He has written extensively about the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes for multiple digital publications. Hamid combines deep historical knowledge with a practical, reader-first approach that helps fans of all experience levels enjoy and understand the sport. When he is not writing about race day schedules and post times, he can be found at the track studying the form and cheering on his picks.
