The 2025 Preakness Stakes is set to take place this Saturday, May 17, at 4 PM ET, live on NBC and Peacock from the iconic Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. This year marks a significant milestone as it celebrates the 150th edition of the prestigious race. Notably, the event will also feature a female jockey for the first time in over a decade.
Saffie Osborne, riding Heart of Honor, aims to make history by becoming the first woman to win the Preakness Stakes and only the second female jockey to secure victory in a Triple Crown race, following Julie Krone’s achievement in the 1993 Belmont Stakes. This race will also be her inaugural ride on U.S. soil, trained by her father, Jamie Osborne. He expressed his confidence in his daughter, stating that both he and the owners believe in her despite her inexperience with American dirt racing.
Heart of Honor qualified for this year’s Derby by finishing second in the G2 UAE Derby but did not enter due to logistical issues. The horse is primarily raced in Dubai but was bred in England.
The competition will be fierce, with other notable contenders including Journalism, the morning line favorite and runner-up of this year’s Kentucky Derby, and Goal Oriented, an undefeated horse trained by Bob Baffert, who is seeking his ninth Preakness win. Meanwhile, Sovereignty, the winner of this year’s Kentucky Derby, will not participate, as the focus shifts to the Belmont Stakes on June 7.
Historically, only three female jockeys have previously competed in the Preakness Stakes, highlighting the significance of Osborne’s participation this year.
Fans can catch the excitement starting with the Preakness Prep races at 2 PM ET on CNBC and Peacock, leading up to the main event at 4 PM ET on NBC.
The Preakness is not only a thrilling race but also a vibrant celebration of tradition, fashion, and community spirit, characterized by the iconic Black-eyed Susan cocktail and beautiful floral arrangements that adorn the event. Don’t miss this year’s festive occasion!
Overall, the inclusion of Saffie Osborne is a hopeful and progressive step for diversity in horse racing, suggesting a bright future for female jockeys in a sport long dominated by men.