Attendance and handle records set during Preakness

A total of 115,318 people crowded into Pimlico on Saturday for the 130th

running of the Preakness S. (G1) and were rewarded with a terrifying and

exhilarating edition of the second jewel of the Triple Crown. In the process,

the crowd became the largest to attend a sporting event in the state of

Maryland.

With so many people in attendance, new records were also set in wagering.

Preakness Day wagering totaled $88,083,366, breaking last year's record of

$87,858,878. A pool of $60,861,090 was bet on the race, also a record.

"It was absolutely the best Preakness ever," said Joe DeFrancis, Maryland

Jockey Club president and chief executive officer. "We had a phenomenal

performance by Afleet Alex (Northern Afleet) and Jeremy Rose. The turnout was

sensational. I never through we'd break last year's record with all the

attention Smarty Jones captured.

"It was a record in every category and the first time ever that over $11

million was wagered in a single day within the state of Maryland. It goes to

show you the appeal of the Preakness and the excitement of the middle jewel of

the Triple Crown. It is just astounding to see the continued growth in

popularity of this event."