Beginning last year, a new approach to Preakness Day was started at Pimlico, aimed to liven up the festivities and attract a younger element. Nationally recognized pop groups and other fun activities (such as a bikini contest) have been introduced to the Infield. 2010’s message to fans is “Get Your Preak On” – a call to hellraisers to have get some kicks and enjoy Maryland’s sporting event as much as possible.

Several O.A.R. members actually graduated from Maryland’s Thomas S. Wootton High School in Rockville. They have experienced huge success in the USA and beyond. O.A.R. recently released their sixth studio album All Sides, and O.A.R tickets are selling fast to their 2010 tour. Buy your Preakness Stakes tickets and be there for the central jewel in the Triple Crown!

In response, the Hirsch Jacobs Stakes will be renamed in honor of Lang, who was the General Manger at Pimlico Race Course for many years. The Jacobs Stakes is a Grade 3 sprint that is run the same day as the Preakness Stakes, this year being May 15.

Lang was literally born into racing; his great-grandfather won the Kentucky Derby as a trainer in 1903, his father won the 1928 Kentucky Derby as a rider on Reigh Count (Lang Sr.’s prestigious Queen’s Plate victories also made him the only Canadian jockey in racing history to win the race both in Canada and in the United States), plus Lang’s son and grandson have served in executive capacities at various race tracks. “Mr. Preakness” held almost every job possible at the racecourse, including hotwalker, general manager and even worked successfully as a jockey’s agent. He was a permanent fixture at Pimlico from 1960 to the end of the 80s.

According to his wishes, Lang’s ashes will be spread at Pimlico in the Preakness winners’ circle. It is a fitting tribute to one of horse racing’s greatest devotees.

The Preakness Stakes tradition of painting its famous weathervane with the winner’s colors is among the great race’s finest traditions. Preakness Stakes tickets mean more than the race itself; you will watch as the painter scales his ladder to paint the vane. You will enjoy the sight of the victor decorated in black-eyed susans, and you might even enjoy the other kind of Black-Eyed Susan – the official drink of the Preakness Stakes. Tickets will be going extremely fast, so be sure to stake your claim and be one of the lucky ones living it up in the famous clubhouse as the winner comes romping home!