Preakness Stakes 2023: Bob Baffert returns after suspension; how and when to watch the race

The Preakness Stakes horse race is all set to be held on May 20, 2023. The annual race, held on Armed Forces Day, is much talked about. This year, more so because it marks the return of suspended American trainer Bob Baffert to the arena.

The 70-year-old trainer had been banned from all three Triple Crown races in 2022, after his horse, Medina Spirit, tested positive for the drug betamethasone – an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid sometimes used to relieve joint pain. The incident happened during the Kentucky Derby in 2021, where the late horse had won.

Baffert told The Athletic in an interview that his team did not use any dope for his horse. "We didn’t inject the horse. It was in an ointment," he revealed.


Baffert has been fighting a legal battle since his suspension. However, his horses are eligible to participate in the 2023 Preakness Stakes.

What is the Preakness Stakes?

The Preakness Stakes is an American thoroughbred horse race held on Armed Forces Day annually, which is also the third Saturday in May each year. The race is held at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, on the Preakness Weekend.

How and when to watch the Preakness Stakes

Date: The Preakness Stakes will take place on Saturday, May 20, 2023.
Time: 06:50 pm ET
Venue: Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Where to watch on web and app: US viewers can watch on NBC, Peacock, and the NBC website and app.

The Preakness Stakes lineup and odds, as per the official website:

National Treasure 3-1
Chase the Chaos 30-1
Mage 4-5
Coffeewithchris 20-1
Red Route One 8-1
Perform 12-1
Blazing Sevens 5-1

FAQs

Q1:When will the 2023 Preakness Stakes take place?
On Saturday, May 20, 2023, at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland.

Q2:What is the Preakness Stakes?
The Preakness Stakes is an annual American thoroughbred horse race held on Armed Forces Day (the third Saturday in May).