ZAY FLOWERS, RAY LEWIS, CARMELO ANTHONY, CAM NEWTON AND MORE ATTEND PREAKNESS 150
T-PAIN CAPS OFF PREAKNESS 150 WITH ELECTRIFYING TRACKSIDE SET; WYCLEF JEAN PERFORMS LIVE FOR NBC BROADCAST
What: Preakness 150
Where: Pimlico Race Course (Baltimore, Maryland)
When: Saturday, May 17, 2025
Journalism, trained by Michael McCarthy and ridden by jockey Umberto Rispoli, was presented with the storied Tiffany & Co. Woodlawn Vase, one of the most prestigious trophies in all of sports and a symbol of racing excellence since 1860, by Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Belinda Stronach, Chairman and CEO of 1/ST, Maryland’s First Lady Dawn Moore and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott after winning the 150th Preakness Stakes (GI), the $2 million middle jewel of the Triple Crown. Journalism is owned in partnership by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Robert LaPenta, Elayne Stables 5 LLC, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith. With 6-5 odds to win, Journalism completed the 1 3/16-mile race in 1:55.47, edging out Gosger, who had been in the lead for almost the entire race.
To honor the milestone, Tiffany & Co. designed and produced a bespoke ceremonial display for the Woodlawn Vase at the historic cupola, adding a striking visual centerpiece to the Winner’s Circle.
Wagering on Preakness 150 weekend surpassed $138 million. Preakness 150 race day handle hit $110 million, up from the $98.5 million achieved at Preakness 149. Black-Eyed Susan Day reached $28.5 million.
Preakness 150 connected the race day and entertainment experience in a new way with live trackside musical performances from a newly positioned stage north of the iconic cupola. Three-time GRAMMY® Award-winner Wyclef Jean performed a multi-song set, including his hit Hips Don’t Lie, where he invited guests to dance on stage, live on the NBC broadcast. GRAMMY® Award-winning artist and global icon T-Pain capped off the celebration with a high-energy post-race set.
“To everyone who joined us at Pimlico and who tuned in around the world for Preakness 150, thank you for being part of racing history. This milestone moment in sports was a true celebration of the best in racing, entertainment, culture and community. The success of Preakness 150 was both a fitting tribute to the past and a look ahead to the exciting possibilities for the future of racing in Maryland,” said Belinda Stronach, Chairman and CEO, 1/ST.
The 1/ST Chalet, presented by Aston Martin and hosted by Belinda Stronach, welcomed VIP guests who were treated to premium finish line and performance views along with signature cocktails and a curated menu by Michelin-starred Chef Fabio Trabocchi, a partner of Aston Martin. Notable guests included: Governor Wes Moore, First Lady Dawn Moore, Zay Flowers, Ray Lewis, Cam Newton, Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Liles, Griffin Johnson, Jason Tartick, Katie Feeney, Jesse Solomon, Kate Bartlett and more.
The Infield Fan Zone, hosted by NFL Hall-of-Famer Ray Lewis, debuted as a 21+ destination for 3,000 guests featuring unlimited beer and wine, live entertainment including a DJ set by The Compton Cowboys, local food vendors and betting stations. Powered by Element Electronics, the covered area featured 60 state-of-the-art screens streaming the races and performances.
The AfroPreak Lounge, hosted by Carmelo Anthony and Asani Swann, returned for its fourth year with an expanded footprint celebrating Afro-Caribbean and Afro-Latino culture. Programming included DJ sets by NO ID, FLOW, and others, as well as custom lounges and a curated cigar and selfie space by Finn Design House.
Preakness 150 offered expanded hospitality spaces providing an elevated level of comfort and hospitality in the infield. Premium hospitality tickets were completely sold out, and total attendance was nearly on par with 2024 with 63,000 guests in attendance for the two-day event.
Preakness 150 guests experienced more than 22 immersive brand activations. Signature cocktails included the iconic Black-Eyed Susan made with Bulleit Bourbon and Ketel One Vodka, alongside offerings from Don Julio 1942, Veuve Clicquot, Casamigos Tequila, Crown Royal, Chandon Garden Spritz, White Claw, Arturo Fuente Cigar Company, Visit Baltimore, a refresh and education lounge hosted by Curaleaf, and more. Culinary highlights included Chesapeake Pit Beef, Peruvian Brothers, Brookside Market, Hoodfellas, Box Hill and other regional favorites.
In collaboration with Guinness Open Gate Brewery, the event debuted Preakness 150 Lager, a limited-edition rice lager available on tap and in cans throughout Pimlico and select Baltimore venues.
The Art of Racing showcased the winning artwork Winning Colors by Steve Luhn. The piece was displayed on-site and featured on limited-edition merchandise benefitting Park Heights Renaissance, the non-profit working to revitalize the Park Heights community surrounding Pimlico.
On Friday, May 16, the 101st George E. Mitchell Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (GII) was won by Margie’s Intention, owned by WinStar Farm LLC and Baron Stable, trained by Brad H. Cox and ridden by jockey Flavien Prat. Immediately following the trophy presentation, The 2025 George E. Mitchell Community Fellowship Grant was awarded to B-Spirit–A²Y, a Baltimore-based grassroots organization that has served youth for over 30 years. Nargas Hyman, founder and executive director, accepted the $50,000 grant on Black-Eyed Susan Day. B-Spirit–A²Y’s after-school program provides a safe, empowering space where children facing high-risk challenges are encouraged to dream big, build community, and become agents of change. The organization continues to be a vital force for neighborhood-led progress, proof of what’s possible when passion and purpose align.
Preakness 150 marks the start of a new chapter for Pimlico Race Course. Following the event, redevelopment efforts led by the Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) and the Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO) will begin, transforming the track into a modern, year-round destination that honors its historic roots.
For more information visit www.preakness.com or @PreaknessStakes on social.
ANECDOTES:
• In a defining moment of the day, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Belinda Stronach, Chairman and CEO of 1/ST, and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott presented the coveted Tiffany & Co. Woodlawn Vase to the connections of Journalism following its historic Preakness 150 victory. Crafted by Tiffany & Co. in 1860 and widely regarded as the most valuable trophy in American sports, the Woodlawn Vase is awarded only once a year to the Preakness champion, a living symbol of racing heritage.
• Legendary UFC announcer Bruce Buffer delivered his signature energy with a booming “Riders Up” to kick off the main event.
• DJ Frank Walker and Chanel Margaux Postrel turned heads in matching custom Vivienne Westwood suits.
• Celebrity Chef Bobby Flay had a reason to celebrate as his horse, Candied, claimed victory in the Allaire du Pont Distaff Stakes.
• Influencer and horse owner Griffin Johnson joined the festivities to cheer on his colt, Sandman.
• During his opening number, Hips Don’t Lie, Wyclef Jean invited fans onstage – including The Bachelorette alum Jason Tartick, Bravo star Jesse Soloman and influencer Jordan Emanuel.
• Wyclef Jean delivered a jaw-dropping moment mid-performance when he played his guitar – with his tongue – to a roaring crowd.
• T-Pain closed out the night with a hit-filled set, performing crowd favorites to a packed crowd.
• Cam Newton and Summer House star Jesse Solomon shared laughs and cocktails in the 1/ST Chalet.
• Viral personality Dude With Sign captured the moment with a cardboard sign that read: “Horse Girls Were On To Something”.
• Maryland First Lady Dawn Moore announced “Riders Up” for the 101st George E. Mitchell Black-Eyed Susan Stakes.
• Carmelo Anthony and Asani Swann hosted 2,000 stylish guests in the AfroPreak Lounge, bringing bold energy and culture to the infield.
• Surprise guest CC Sabathia, former New York Yankees pitcher, joined the Preakness 150 festivities.
• Zay Flowers, wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens, made the day a family affair, arriving with his brother to enjoy the milestone celebration.
• Guests enjoyed custom Guinness pints featuring printed Preakness 150 logos.
• The U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club delivered a stirring rendition of the national anthem from the historic Pimlico cupola.
• Influencers Katie Feeney, Kate Bartlett and Violetta Komyshan lit up the infield as they danced to T-Pain’s set.
• Steve Kornacki brought his signature analysis to the NBC broadcast, sharing the history of the Preakness and key race-day statistics.
• Four parachute jumpers carrying the American flag made a stirring landing on the Preakness racetrack, drawing cheers from the crowd.
• Love Is Blind cast members Micah Lussier, Brittany Mills and Alex “AD” Dillon were spotted dancing and singing during T-Pain’s set.
• Influencers and reality TV personalities Clinton Moxam and Uche Okoroha mingled with guests in the 1/ST Chalet.
• The Real Housewives of Potomac filmed for their upcoming season on Black-Eyed Susan Day.
Event Hosts:
• Belinda Stronach, Chairman and CEO, 1/ST
Named one of the world’s 100 most influential people by TIME Magazine, and one of Fortune Magazine’s Most Powerful Business Women
Notable Attendees:
• Governor Wes Moore, Governor of Maryland
• First Lady Dawn Moore, First Lady of Maryland
• Lt. Governor Aruna Miller, Lt. Governor of Maryland
• David Miller, Husband of Lt. Governor
• Mayor Brandon Scott, Mayor of Baltimore
• John Olszewski, Congressman
• Anthony G. Brown, Attorney General of Maryland
• Brooke Lierman, the Comptroller of the state of Maryland
• Kevin Liles, Chairman & CEO of 300 Elektra Entertainment, Co-Founder & CEO of 300 Entertainment, and Head of 300 Studios
• Bob Baffert, Thoroughbred Horse Trainer, Previous Triple Crown Winner
• Cal Ripken, Former American Baseball Player
• Sheikh Fahad Al Thani, Qatari Racing and Member of Qatari Royal Family
• Bill Knauf, President of the Maryland Jockey Club
• Fritz Widaman, Senior VP of the Maryland Jockey Club
Performers:
• Wyclef Jean, Preakness Headliner, GRAMMY award-winning artist
• T-Pain, Trackside Performer, GRAMMY award-winning artist
Celebrity Attendees:
• Frank Walker, DJ
• Bobby Flay, Celebrity Chef
• Bruce Buffer, American Announcer
• Ray Lewis, NFL Hall-of-Famer and Infield Host
• Teddy Beats, Record Producer
• Carmelo Anthony, Former American Basketball Player and The AfroPreak Lounge Host
• Cam Newton, Former Carolina Panthers Player
• Gizelle Bryant, Real Housewife of Potomac
• Angel Massie, Real Housewife of Potomac
• Keiarna Stewart, Real Housewife of Potomac
• Wendy Osefo, Real Housewife of Potomac
• Robyn Murphy, Real Housewife of Potomac
• Jassi Rideaux, Real Housewife of Potomac
• The Compton Cowboys
• Jordan Emanuel, DJ/Reality TV Star
• Jesse Solomon, BRAVO TV Personality
• Jason Tartick, Bachelor Franchise Star
• Griffin Johnson, Social Media Star and Part-Owner of Sandman
Athlete & Sports Industry Attendees:
• Ben Sinnott, Commanders
• Sam Hartman, Commanders
• Colson Yankoff, Commanders
• Chris Paul, Commanders
• Quan Martin, Commanders
• Tyler Linderbaum, Ravens
• Andrew Vorhees, Ravens
• Willie Taggart, Ravens
• Roger Rosengarten, Ravens
• Prentice Gill, Ravens
• Roquan Smith, Ravens
• Jordan Stout, Ravens
• Isaiah Likely, Ravens
• Daniel Faalele, Ravens
• Keaton Mitchell, Ravens
• Zay Flowers, Ravens
• Jameel McClain, Ravens
• CC Sabathia, Major League Baseball pitcher
LINKS TO IMAGERY:
FRIDAY 5/16
● Black-Eyed Susan Day, Imagery Credit: Paul Morigi / Getty Images
○ CAPTION MUST INCLUDE: 101st Black-Eyed Susan Day hosted by 1/ST at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, MD
SATURDAY 5/17
● Preakness 150, Imagery Credit: Paul Morigi / Getty Images
○ CAPTION MUST INCLUDE: Preakness 150 hosted by 1/ST at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, MD
● Preakness, 150, Imagery Credit: Scott Quintevalle
○ CAPTION MUST INCLUDE: Preakness 150 hosted by 1/ST at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, MD
● Preakness 150, Imagery Credit: Dan Swartz
○ CAPTION MUST INCLUDE: Preakness 150 hosted by 1/ST at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, MD
● Preakness 150, Winning Horse of the 150th Preakness Stakes, Imagery Credit: Maryland Jockey Club
○ CAPTION MUST INCLUDE: Preakness 150 hosted by 1/ST at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, MD
Please use the caption as noted in photo
MEDIA CONTACT: The Brand Guild, preakness@thebrandguild.com