PREAKNESS MEDIA RELATIONS
Communications Staff
Mike Gathagan Vice President-Communications
Rich Paul Press Box Supervisor
Dave Rodman Track Announcer
Frank Carulli Racing Analyst & Handicapper
Jim McCue Track Photographer
Vera Angell Webmaster
Notes Team
Ed Gray; Mike Kane; Matt Graves
Video News Feed
Joe Schreiber; Keith Mills; Steve Martin
Photo Marshal
Paul Randall
preakness.com
Rob Longley; John Scheinman; Phil Janack; Maggie Wolfendale; Jerry Dziewinski
Social Media Coordinator
Joan Lawrence
Press Box Support
Michael Glasser; Kent Baker; Kevin Decker; Joe Fonte; Tom Marple; Larry Benes; Stacie Benes; Joe Kelly
News Conference Host
Eric Wing
Pimlico Live Racing Chats
DAILY NOTES
Information and updates on Preakness Stakes contenders, their connections, morning workouts and other Preakness week news will be provided daily in the press box and posted on www.preakness.com.
PRESS SECURITY
The Maryland Jockey Club has joined local, state and federal law enforcement and other government agencies to develop and implement a thorough series of safety and security procedures for the 135th Preakness Stakeson Saturday, May 15.
While there has been no specific threat against either Pimlico Race Course or the Preakness Stakes, security concerns at major sporting events have never been of greater importance. The Preakness Stakes ranks as one of the largest single-day sporting events in the country. Three years ago, a record 121,263 packed Old Hilltop and at least 100,000 have attended on-site for eight of the last nine years.
Credentialed media representatives will be required to show photo identification before gaining entry to the stakes barn when entering through the Rogers Avenue parking lot each day and the press box for the first time beginning Preakness Day. The credential will be punched before entry to the press box.
CREDENTIALS
PRINT, TV-RADIO, and PHOTOGRAPHERS:
Media Credentials provide general access to the grandstand, clubhouse and to the stable areas (front and back sides) during training hours.
Access is NOT provided to the Jockey Club, corporate tents or Horsemen’s seating area – NO EXCEPTIONS.
These credentials DO NOT provide access to the saddling area on the turf course for the Preakness Stakes. Paddock passes are distributed by Mike Gathagan upon request. A limited number are available.
MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA ARE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING ALL BARNS UNLESS PERSONALLY INVITED BY A TRAINER OR OWNER.
Upon arrival, please check in with our staff for viewing stations. The Pimlico press box is wireless.
On Preakness Day, a WP (Working Press) or AXP (Auxiliary Press Box) sticker is required for entrance into either the main or auxiliary press box.
A limited number of B (Balcony) stickers will be provided for the viewing spots on the porch.
Maryland State Law Prohibits smoking in the press box
PHOTOGRAPHERS:
A wireless photo room is available in the Third Division of the grandstand. For the seventh straight year, the Maryland Jockey Club has teamed up with Nikon to provide camera repair, 24-hour loans and vests during Preakness week. The repair room, which is located in the photo room, is open to any credentialed photographer. The loaning of gear is done on a first come first served basis.
Due to safety constraints, only a limited number of photographers will be granted restricted roof access, designated by a P (Photo) sticker for Preakness day.
A MANDATORY meeting for ALL photographers will be scheduled in the winners’ circle on Friday morning, May 14. Nikon will also be providing vests for cupola and finish line access. A limited number will be allowed in both areas.
PARKING
Except for Preakness Day, credentials are valid for parking in the Press Lot, located on the corner of Rogers and Winner Avenues, adjacent to the Stakes Barn (Barn E) or the Rogers 1A lot, directly across from the Press Lot.
For Preakness Day, a limited number of parking placards will be available for MEMBERS OF THE WORKING MEDIA ONLY, for the Rogers Avenue Press Lot or the Rogers 6A lot, directly across from the Press Lot.
POST RACE PRESS CONFERENCE
After the Preakness Stakes, the Maryland Jockey Club will hold a formal press conference with the winning connections in a tent behind the cupola. The press conference will begin immediately after NBC signs off (approximately 6:45 p.m.). The news conference will provide 2-way audio between the press box and the infield tent and 1-way video - from the tent to the press box.
