The Preakness Stakes is experiencing a notable shift as betting participation among women has surged dramatically since 2020. These bettors are going beyond simple wagers, embracing complex exotic bets and often backing horses with female connections. This change reflects a broader expansion of influence within horse racing culture, signaling a new dynamic in the sport.
As this growing presence reshapes traditions, the question arises: how will increasing levels of female participation impact the future of Triple Crown events? With fresh perspectives and diverse engagement, the sport is evolving in exciting ways, promising to redefine the racing experience for everyone involved.
Key Takeaways
- Female betting participation has significantly increased at Preakness Stakes since 2020, with preferences for exotic bets.
- Black-Eyed Susan Day provides “the ultimate girls’ day out” with fashion, philanthropy, and women-focused networking events.
- Women bettors at Preakness tend to favor horses with female connections and engage in social betting patterns.
- Pioneering women like Penny Chenery, Julie Krone, and Jena Antonucci have broken barriers in the Triple Crown landscape.
- The event has evolved to attract female attendees with premium hospitality options and collaborative partnerships with women-focused charities.
The Rise of Women’s Influence at Black-Eyed Susan Day
While the Preakness Stakes typically dominates headlines during Baltimore’s premier racing weekend, Black-Eyed Susan Day has established itself as a powerful platform for women’s influence in the horse racing world.
Branded as “the ultimate girls’ day out,” this event combines fashion, philanthropy, and racing into a celebration centered on women.
Visitors will find partnerships with female-focused charities like Susan G. Komen sharing proceeds, a Women in Business Networking Gala connecting professionals, and the “Miss Preakness Pink Warrior” recognition honoring breast cancer survivors.
The day highlights fillies in competition and showcases female jockeys, while women-owned vendors enjoy significant economic opportunities.
It’s a strategic evolution reflecting women’s growing power in racing culture. The Lady Legends for the Cure Race features retired female jockeys who attract fans through popular autograph sessions.
Breaking Records: Female Betting Trends at Preakness Weekend
The statistics paint a remarkable picture: women are reshaping betting patterns across Preakness Stakes weekend like never before. Their impact is especially visible when fillies run in the main race-Swiss Skydiver’s 2020 victory sparked a surge in female wagering participation.
Many bettors now dive deep into analyzing Preakness odds, using that insight to craft complex exotic bets that fuel more dynamic betting pools. This growing engagement with Preakness odds reflects a broader shift toward smarter, more informed wagering across the board.
Women’s distinctive betting approaches include:
- Higher engagement with exotic bets like trifectas and superfectas
- Preference for horses with female connections (jockeys/trainers) over raw statistics
- Social betting patterns that contribute to larger pooled wagers
This shift isn’t just changing demographics—it’s reshaping odds, influencing race programming, and serving as a bellwether for broader Triple Crown betting trends.
The 2024 Preakness Stakes showcased just how personal and inclusive horse racing can be, thanks to Seize The Grey’s ownership model. Through MyRacehorse, more than 2,500 people-including many women-were able to buy micro-shares and experience the thrill of ownership firsthand, making the sport accessible to a much broader and more diverse group of fans.
Legendary trainer of Seize The Grey, D. Wayne Lukas’s reputation for supporting women in the industry, combined with this innovative ownership approach, has inspired more female fans to get involved-not just as spectators, but as active participants and bettors-helping to reshape the future of horse racing.
Behind the Scenes: Women Shaping the Triple Crown Experience
Beyond the thundering hooves and betting windows, women have quietly revolutionized the Triple Crown series through their groundbreaking contributions as jockeys, trainers, owners, and administrators.
You’ll find Penny Chenery’s legacy in Secretariat’s legendary Triple Crown, while Julie Krone’s 1993 Belmont Stakes victory shattered glass ceilings for female jockeys.
Despite requiring police escorts in racing’s early days, pioneering women like Jena Antonucci, who captured the 2023 Belmont as a trainer, continue pushing boundaries. In 1969, Diane Crump became the first woman to ride in a pari-mutuel race, facing tremendous resistance but opening doors for future generations.
Though the industry remains mainly male, women’s impact grows through visionaries like Marje Everett, who brought the inaugural Breeders’ Cup to Hollywood Park in 1984.
Fashion, Food and Fillies: The Cultural Evolution of Race Day
Throughout its storied history, Preakness Stakes has evolved to become more than just a horse race. Today it is nothing less than a cultural phenomenon where fashion statements, culinary delights, and remarkable fillies converge to create an experience that’s distinctly Maryland.
You’ll notice the transformation from traditional conservative attire to eclectic styles featuring Black-Eyed Susan motifs, while the infield embraces a more casual festival atmosphere. The floral blanket tradition, requiring eight hours of work with 4,000 Viking Poms arranged by a team of four people, has become a visual centerpiece of the celebration since 1940.
Culinary offerings have expanded beyond the signature cocktail to showcase Maryland’s finest cuisine. However, it must be said that the humble (and delicious) Maryland Crab Cake takes pole position among racegoers.
What makes this evolution meaningful:
- Female thoroughbreds like Rachel Alexandra challenge gender norms in sports
- Black-Eyed Susan Day elevates women’s visibility in racing
- Fashion competitions and regional food create community identity that transcends the race itself
Premium Hospitality: How Luxury Experiences Are Changing The Game
While the cultural fabric of Preakness has woven together fashion and food traditions, another dimension of the event has undergone a remarkable transformation: its hospitality landscape.
You’ll find exclusive finish line suites offering personalized bar service and gourmet dining from executive chefs. These VIP experiences extend beyond luxury amenities—you’re granted access to the Winner’s Circle, behind-the-scenes barn tours, and encounters with racing insiders.
This shift toward premium experiences is reshaping the event’s demographics, attracting high-net-worth attendees and creating new revenue streams. The impressive 1/ST Chalet experience provides exceptional finish line views with climate-controlled comfort for discerning guests seeking the ultimate Preakness vantage point.
With consistently sold-out packages and rising hospitality spending, the Preakness is positioning itself as a premier destination on the sports calendar.
The Changing Face of Preakness: Women Leading the Charge
You’re witnessing a transformation at Pimlico—women who bet, women who train, women who own potential prize-winners and women who win. They’re diversifying the stands, they’re dominating the wagering windows, they’re redefining what race day means.
Your Preakness experience now reflects this evolution: more inclusive hospitality, more sophisticated betting strategies, more female voices in racing’s conversation. The sport isn’t just changing; it’s being revolutionized by women’s growing influence in every facet of the Triple Crown.
