The Preakness Stakes is a prestigious horse race held annually in the United States, typically on the third Saturday in May. It takes place at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, and is the second leg of the Triple Crown, following the Kentucky Derby and preceding the Belmont Stakes. The race is open to three-year-old thoroughbreds and is known for its rich history, having first been run in 1873. The Preakness Stakes is a 1 3/16-mile race, making it shorter than the Kentucky Derby but longer than the Belmont Stakes. The event attracts large crowds and features a festive atmosphere, with attendees often wearing traditional black-eyed susan flowers, which are the race's official flower. Winning the Preakness is a significant achievement in horse racing, and it can elevate a horse's status in the sport.