Preakness Week Events

The second jewel of the Triple Crown has arrived and we’ve got all the events just for you! From the Hot Air Balloons at Turf Valley to the live music of InFieldFest, you’re sure to find a way to celebrate the 138th Preakness! We’ve even created a special Maryland themed dessert for the occasion – our Berger Cookie Trifle!

Special Event to Celebrate Secretariat’s 40th Anniversary
Tuesday, May 14th
6:30PM
The AFI Silver Theater
8633 Colesville Rd.
Silver Spring, MD 20910

A Special Evening with Penny Chenery and Ron Turcotte to benefit the Secretariat Foundation, Secretariat.com and the Maryland Jockey Club, in association with ESPN. They are proud to host a trio of events commemorating the 40th anniversary of Secretariat’s Triple Crown.

Preakness Frog Hop
Wednesday, May 15th
12 Noon – 1 PM
Paterson Park
Pulaski Monument inside the park at Eastern and Linwood Aves
Free and open to all ages!

The spirit of The Preakness horse race comes alive as kids and adults jockey their jumpin’ frogs to the finish line at this 47th annual event. Trophies awarded to the first four finishers with ribbons for all participants.

Only one frog may be entered per jockey. The frog must be at least 4 inches in length from nose to tail (not counting the legs). If you have extra frogs, please bring them so another child may participate.

For additional information, contact mark.burke@baltimorecity.gov  or call 410-396-9392 Click here (PDF File) for rules and registration form.

Celebrity Crab Derby
Thursday, May 16th
12 Noon
Lexington Market
400 W. Lexington, St.
Baltimore, MD 21201

Cheer for your favorite local celebrity as they jockey blue crabs to the finish line! The winner takes home a “purse” of $500 to the charity of their choice.

Power Plant Live Preakness Week
Thursday, May 16th – Saturday May18th

Power Plant Live!, Miller Lite and 98Rock present Miller Lite Nights Race Week.
ALL SHOWS ARE FREE and you must be 21+ to enter.

Thursday, May 16, The Darkness takes the stage at 7pm featuring Middle Class Rut.
Friday, Go Go Gadjet takes the stage at 8pm

Saturday, join us for the Preakness watch and post party. Watch the race on our 20′ Big Screen. Beer and food specials all day.

Preakness Celebration Hot Air Balloon Festival and Launch
Thursday, May 16th – Saturday  May 18th

May 16 & 17, 2013, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM Balloon Festival

May 16 & 17, 2013, 6:30 PM Balloon Launch

May 17 & 18, 2013, 6:30 AM Balloon Launch

Enjoy our annual Hot Air Balloon Festival, perfect for young children and those young at heart. There will be family activities, handmade crafts, retail and food vendors, and live entertainment. Balloon related activities will include tethered hot air balloon rides, a walk-through of an inflated hot air balloon, pilot demonstrations, balloon launches and the nightly Balloon Glow at dusk.

On Saturday, May 18th, the Balloon Festival will culminate with the launching of the balloons at 6:30 am.

Admission to the Preakness Celebration Hot Air Balloon Festival is free and open to the public. All parking is at the Howard County Fairgrounds, with a donation of $5 per car. Donations benefit the Elkridge Adult Athletic Association. Balloon rides and flights will be fee-based. Please call Ron Broderick, Balloonmeister, at 410-442-5566, to schedule your balloon flight!

Sunrise at Old Hilltop
Wednesday, May 15th – Saturday May 18th
6 AM – 9 AM
Pimlico Race Course
5201 Park Heights Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21215

Experience sunrise over Old Hilltop at Pimlico. The 20 minute tours run from 6am – 9am, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of Preakness Week. After enjoying sunrise on the Grandstand Apron, you will get an insider’s perspective on racing during an escorted tour of the Preakness Stakes Barn. You never know who you may run into on the backside…trainers, vets, owners, blacksmiths, exercise riders or jockeys. The Barn area is one place you can count on an interesting story! You will have an opportunity to shop for Preakness Souvenirs, stop by the Pimlico Museum and maybe even peek into the jockey’s quarters, then head back outside to watch the horses go through their morning workouts. The tour guides bring with them a wealth of experience and add a personal touch that can’t be beat!

Tours are FREE and on a first come, first serve basis. For more information email Diana Harbaugh at dharbaugh@marylandracing.com

Jockey Autograph Session
Friday, May 17, 2013
10 AM – 11 AM
Pimlico Race Course
5201 Park Heights Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21215

Meet your favorite jockey and get their autograph!

Black-Eyed Susan Day
Friday May 17, 2013
9:30 AM

One of Pimlico’s oldest stakes races, the Black-Eyed Susan was first run at Pimlico in 1919. The mile and one-eighth test, for three-year-old fillies is traditionally run the Friday before the Preakness and has long been recognized as the middle jewel of the traditional filly Triple Crown, which also includes the Kentucky Oaks Stakes and the Acorn. Don’t miss any of the fun, including:

• A 13-race program, including the $500,000 Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (G2), the $300,000 Pimlico Special (G3), the $30,000 Pimlico “Battle of the Sexes” Jockey Challenge with eight of the top riders, and the Lady Legends for the Cure IV Race.

• The People’s Pink Party and first ever infield concert featuring Goo Goo Dolls, Rodney Atkins and Rachel Farley.

• Handicapping sessions, celebrity jockey autograph sessions, book signings, and more!!

138th Running of the Preakness Stakes and InFieldFest
Saturday May 18, 2013

One of the nation’s largest, single-day, annual sporting events! Once again Baltimore’s Old Hilltop comes alive with the running of the 138th Preakness Stakes, where the finest three-year old thoroughbreds will compete for $1 million in the middle jewel of the Triple Crown.

The day will feature live performances by international superstar Pitbull and hip-hop duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. Both artists will play extended sets on the Main Stage. Afrojack will open the main stage with electronic dance music.

In addition to the main stage headliners, Preakness InfieldFest will host live music from Chevelle, Florida-Georgia Line and Kristen and the Noise on the Jägermeister Stage along with a variety of other activities, including the return of the popular Beer Garden and bottomless MUG Club. http://www.preakness.com/infield/infieldfest

If you will be celebrating the Preakness with a party at your home, be sure to check out Pinterest for Preakness Playlists, Recipes, Decor & More!

 

Maryland Themed Preakness Dessert

Preakness week is here and we’re busy planning a festive Maryland themed affair! Not only are we celebrating having the second jewel of the Triple Crown in our home state but we’re cheering on Orb, the winner of the Kentucky Derby, whose owners are from Baltimore County! In honor of all this Maryland Pride we created a delicious dessert using Baltimore’s very own BERGER COOKIES! It’s a treat that’s sure to make any Baltimorean proud!

Lemon Raspberry Berger Cookie Trifle
Recipe By: Molly Neifeld
1-2 Packages of Berger Cookies, chopped
Lemon Pudding
Raspberry Sauce
Homemade Whipped Cream

Chop the Berger cookies into equal size pieces that match the size of your container. We used small dessert glasses so the pieces were pretty small. Set aside until you’re ready to use.

Prepare the Lemon pudding according to the package. Set aside until you’re ready to use.

Make the whipped cream with a small amount of powdered sugar. The cookies are very sweet so you don’t have to have an overload of sugar. Set aside until ready to use.

To make the raspberry sauce, combine the frozen raspberries in a small sauce pan and heat until the berries start to break down. You can add a little sugar to the sauce if you feel it’s necessary. No more than 1 Tablespoon since the tangy of the berries helps to balance this dessert.

To assemble the trifle, layer the chopped Berger cookies, lemon pudding, raspberry sauce and whipped cream. Create as many layers as your dish will allow. Top the finished trifle with any remaining cookies! Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

Don’t have Berger Cookies around you? Order them online. bergercookies.com

DMV Weekend Happenings May 3-5

This weekend is full of events from Cinco de Mayo to the Gold Cup and much more!

Washington, DC Events

DC 101 Chili Cook Off RFK Stadium 2400 East Capitol Street Washington, DC 20003 Time: Saturday 12 pm to 9 pm Price: $35.50 to $65 Enjoy a full day of music while 101 chili cooks compete in four categories: Red Chili, Green Chili, Freestyle and Salsa. Bands include Silversun Pickups, Awolnation, and Sound Garden.

Cinco De Mayo Festival National Mall between 8th and 12th Streets Time: Sunday Noon to 6 pm Price: Free Celebrate Cinco De Mayo with this annual Latino celebration features live music and family entertainment.

LivingSocial’s BeerFest Fairgrounds Container Park 1299 Half Street SE Time: Saturday and Sunday at 12 pm Price: $35-$55 Head to DC this weekend to enjoy this jam-slammed fest featuring some 50 breweries, along with some of DC’s best food trucks and loads of entertainment, including an awesome silent disco.

Virginia Events

Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival Downtown Winchester Time: Friday 8 am to 8 pm; Saturday 8 am to 8 pm; Sunday 10 am to 9 pm Tickets can be purchased at the event. The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival celebrates the advent of spring in the Shenandoah Valley as evidenced by the blooming of the area’s apple trees, one of the most important natural resources in the Winchester-Frederick County, VA area.

Virginia Gold Cup Great Meadow 90 Main St  Warrenton, VA 20186 Time: Gates open Saturday at 10 am Price: $85 Come enjoy the 88th running of the world famous Virginia Gold Cup steeplechase race. Race day features six hurdle and timber horses races, Jack Russell Terrier races, tent, tailgate and hat contests, and vendor booths for shopping.

Maryland Events

National Harbor Food and Wine Festival National Harbor 137 National Plaza
National Harbor, MD 20745 Time: Saturday and Sunday 1 pm to 6 pm Price: $45 Join in the fun for the 6th Annual Wine and Food Festival at National Harbor; bringing together world-renowned chefs, artisanal craftsmen, and culinary pioneers with thousands of Metro DC’s foodies.

Baltimore Flower Mart  Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 4 from 11AM – 8PM both days in the parks surrounding the Washington Monument. It will contain a glorious mix of old and new, from our returning garden and arts and crafts vendors to many new vendors, traditional contests and a new feature, the Duchess of Windsor Happy Hour on Friday from 5 – 7PM, and exciting entertainment including a new country band, an experimental dance group and our outstanding Children’s Camp.

Towsontown Spring Festival Free entry, enjoy dozens of food & craft vendors, lots of live music, carnival rides & games for children and beer gardens for adults. May 4th , (10-7pm) & May 5th, (1-7pm), 2013. Located in “Downtown Towson”

Hero Rush High Point Farm 23730 Frederick Rd Clarksburg, MD 20871 Time: Saturday starting at 9 am. Please visit the website to see specific wave times. Price: $85 Do you have what it takes to be a hero? Race through a 3-5 mile course of heroic (and unique!) obstacles — slide, climb, get wet, get lost, get WETTER, make some saves and much, much more!

Sports at a Glance

Contact your concierge for pricing and availability!

Washington Capitals vs NY Rangers Stanley Cup Playoffs Game 2, Saturday at 12:30 pm, Verizon Center

The 139th Running of the Kentucky Derby, Saturday, May 4th. Televised coverage 4pm-7pm on NBC. Post time scheduled for 6:24 PM. Learn more about horse racing terms before the big race here.

WWE SMACKDOWN World Tour, Sunday at 5 pm, Show Place Arena

Area Concerts at a Glance

Contact your concierge for pricing and availability!

Bullet for My Valentine, The Fillmore Silver Spring, Friday at 6:30 pm

MGMT, Byrd Stadium at University of Maryland, Friday at 5 pm

Limp Bizkit, Rams Head Live Baltimore, Friday at 9 pm

Foreigner, Pier Six Concert Pavilion Baltimore, Friday at 8 pm

M3 Rock Festival, Merriweather Post Pavilion Columbia, Friday at 11 am

Howie Day, The Birchmere Alexandria, Saturday at 7:30 pm

Earth Wind and Fire, Pier Six Concert Pavilion Baltimore, Sunday at 7:30 pm

Relient K, Rams Head Live Baltimore, Sunday at 7 pm

Movies Opening this Weekend

Iron Man Action Adventure Sci-Fi 130 Minutes When Tony Stark’s world is torn apart by a formidable terrorist called the Mandarin, he starts an odyssey of rebuilding and retribution. Starring Robert Downey Jr, Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, and Guy Pearce

Beginners Guide to Horse Racing

We’ve rounded up Horse Racing and betting terms and phrases to make you an expert when it comes to watching the races! Know your Exacta from your Trifecta and Furlong from your Filly!

Across the Board – Bet of a horse to come in win (1^st), place (2^nd) and show (3^rd). If the horse wins, the player collects three ways; if second, two ways; and if third, one way, losing the win and place bets

Breeze – Working a horse out at a moderate speed

Closer – Horse who runs best towards the end of the race

Club House Turn – The turn immediately after the finish

Colors/Silks – The color of the jacket & cap of the jockeys are often the colors associated with the barn/owners of the horse

Colt – Ungelded male horse, age 4 or younger

Exacta – Wager in which the first two finishers in a race, in exact order of finish, must be picked

Fast Track – Optimum condition for the dirt track, fast, dry and even

Field – All the runners in the race

Filly – Female horse, age 4 or younger

Furlong – One-eighth of a mile; 220 yards, 660 feet

Graduate – Winning for the first time

Groom – Person caring for the horse or horses washing, grooming and feeding

Hot Walker – Person who walks horses to cool them after a workout or race

In The Money – Finishing 1^st, 2^nd or 3^rd

Inquiry – Reviewing the race to check for possible rule infractions that may affect the outcome of the race

Length – Length of horse from nose to tail, approximately 8 feet

Morning Line – Odds quoted before wagering begins

Nose – Smallest distance a horse can win by

On The Nose – Betting a horse to win only

Paddock – Where horses are saddled before the race

Post – Starting point or position in starting gate

Post Parade – The walk from the paddock to the gate past the stands with all of the horses in post-position order

Post Position – Position of stall in starting game, Post 1 is closest to the rail

Scratch – Horse is removed from the race before it begins

Show – Wagering on a horse to finish in the money, 3^rd or better

Starting Gate – Mechanical device with stalls for each horse to stay in until the race begins and doors release

Stickers/Studs – Spikes on the horse shoes to give horse better traction in mud or soft track

Stretch – Final straight position of the track to the finish line

Tongue Strap or Tie – Cloth or rubber used to tie down a horse’s tongue to keep it out of their airway

Track Record – Fastest distance at a particular track

Trainer – Person who trains the horse and makes decisions about where and when they will race

Trifecta – Wager picking the first three finishers in exact order

Turf – Race is run on a grass track rather than dirt

Triple Crown – Consists of three races for three-year-old Thoroughbred horses. Winning all three of these races is the highest accomplishment in horse racing. Both colts & geldings can run in these races. Horses do not have to run in all three races, and do not have to have the same jockey for all three races, though they typically do.

Kentucky Derby 1 ¼ mile dirt track race, held the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY.

Preakness Stakes 1 3/16 mile dirt track race, held two weeks after the Derby at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, MD.

Belmont Stakes 1 ½ mile long dirt track race, the longest in Thoroughbred racing at Belmont Park in Bemlont, NY

The last Triple Crown winner was Affirmed in 1978.

Triple Tiara – Filly Triple Crown
Races are held the evening before each race for only fillies. These races are called Kentucky Oaks, Black-Eyed Susan Stakes and Acorn Stakes

 

 

Honey Blueberry Mint Julep – Kentucky Derby Tradition with a Twist

Horse racing is steeped in tradition and this weekend marks the 139^th Kentucky Derby. Instead of sticking with the classic mint julep we’re updating our cocktail menu. This year we’re created a Honey Blueberry Mint Julep. We incorporated fresh fruit and smooth honey to add a sweet touch to this classic racing staple. It’s our refreshing nod to the most exciting 2 minutes in sports!

Honey Blueberry Mint Julep

2.5 Ounces Honey Bourbon
1/2 Ounce Mint Simple Syrup
1 Ounce Honey Blueberry Puree
Crushed Ice
Mint Sprigs for Garnish

Combine the honey bourbon, mint simple syrup and honey blueberry puree in a shaker and shake to combine. Pour over crushed ice and garnish with a fresh sprig of mint. Enjoy!

Honey Blueberry Puree

1 Pint of Blueberries
2 Tablespoons of Honey

Combine the blueberries and honey in a small food processor or blender and puree until smooth. Set aside until ready to serve.

Mint Simple Syrup

1 Cup of Sugar
1 Cup of Water
¼ Cup Fresh Mint Leaves

Combine the sugar and water in a small sauce pan and bring to a boil. Remove the pan from the heat and add in the mint leave. Stir to combine and let steep for around 20-30 minutes or until its reached your desired level of mint flavor.

Preakness Party Playlist

You have your Preakness hat, your Black Eyed Susan cocktail ingredients and your house set for a Preakness Party…but do you have a playlist made up to play until post time? Download these songs to complete the theme and get everyone in the spirit!!

Born to Run – Bruce Springsteen

Going the Distance – Cake

The Hustle – Van McCoy

All I Do Is Win – DJ Khaled

Mustang Sally – Wilson Pickett

Wild Horses – The Sundays

Wild Ones - Flo Rida

We Don’t Stop Believing – Journey

Maryland My Maryland

Let’s Get It Started – Black Eyed Peas

So Good – B.o.B

Stronger – Kanye West

Learn to Fly – Foo Fighters

Pump It – Black Eyed Peas

Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough – Michael Jackson

Another One Bites the Dust – Queen

One Trick Pony – Paul Simon

Taking the Inside Rail – Sting (theme for Racing Stripes)

Pony Boy – Bruce Springsteen

Wild Horses – The Rolling Stones

We Own the Night - Selena Gomez

The Show Goes On - Lupe Fiasco

I Will Survive - Gloria Gaynor

Can’t Stop - Red Hot Chili Peppers

Celebration – Kool & the Gang

Wild Horses – Garth Brooks

Beer for My Horses – Toby Keith and Willie Nelson

White Horse – Taylor Swift

All the Pretty Little Ponies – Catherine Raney

Cowgirls Don’t Cry – Brooks and Dunn

The Great Adventure – Steven Curtis Chapman

Me and My Gang – Rascal Flatts

Happy Trails To You – Roy Rogers

Wild Horses – Natasha Bedingfield

Back in the Saddle Again – Gene Autry

Rodeo – Garth Brooks

My Rifle, My Pony and Me – Dean Martin and Ricky Nelson

Preakness Week Event Guide!

The big week has arrived, the second jewel of the Triple Crown hosted right here in Charm City. Whether you are attending the race and betting on horses, going to InfieldFest and enjoying the live music, or just wearing a big hat and enjoying a Black Eyed Susan, there are plenty of events throughout the week to get you in the Preakness spirit!

Preakness Frog Hop

May 16, 2012, 12 noon
This favorite annual event held at Patterson Park is celebrating its 46th year! Everyone is invited to cheer on their favorite frogs as they try to top record jumps! Registration starts at 11 am on the day of the Frog Hop, and all frogs (and jockeys) must be registered by 11:45 am. Trophies will be awarded to the first, second, third and fourth place finishers. All participants will receive a ribbon. Info: 410-396-6136, 410-396-9392, or mark.burke@baltimorecity.gov.

22nd Annual Celebrity Crab Derby

May 17, 12 noon
Cheer for your favorite local celebrity as they actually jockey blue crabs to the finish line! The winner takes home a “purse” of $500 to the charity of their choice.

Power Plant Live Preakness Week

Miller Lite Nights Race Week celebration features three nights of live music in celebration of  Preakness. On Thursday, May 17, 98 Rock presents a free concert by Buckcherry. Gates open at 9 p.m., with opening acts Redlight King and Foxy Shazam. On Friday, May 18, Mr. Greengenes performs a free concert at 6 p.m. On Saturday, May 19, Power Plant hosts a Preakness Watch Party on its 20-foot outdoor LED screen. The post-race party features disc jockey Steve Aoki as part of the new Spin Cycle series.

Sunrise at Old Hilltop

May 16, 17 & 18, 6am-9am
Experience sunrise over Old Hilltop at Pimlico. The 20 minute tours run from 6am – 9am, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of Preakness Week. After enjoying sunrise on the Grandstand Apron, you will get an insider’s perspective on racing during an escorted tour of the Preakness Stakes Barn. You never know who you may run into on the backside…trainers, vets, owners, blacksmiths, exercise riders or jockeys. The Barn area is one place you can count on an interesting story! You will have an opportunity to shop for Preakness Souvenirs, stop by the Pimlico Museum and maybe even peek into the jockey’s quarters, then head back outside to watch the horses go through their morning workouts. The tour guides bring with them a wealth of experience and add a personal touch that can’t be beat!
Reservations are not taken, tours are on a first come, first serve basis. For more information email Diana Harbaugh at dharbaugh@marylandracing.com.

Jockey Autograph Session

Friday, May 18, 2012, 10am-11am
Meet your favorite jockey and get their autograph!
Featuring the Challenge and Legend riders; Mary Wiley-Wagner, Patti “PJ” Cooksey, Jennifer Rowland-Small, Mary Russ-Tortora,           Barbara Jo Rubin, Cheryl White, Zoe Cadman, Jill Jellison, Emma-Jane Wilson, Forest Boyce, Vicky Baze, Rosie Napravnik, Rosemary Homeister, Greta Kuntzweiler, Abby Fuller and Tammi Piermari

Black-Eyed Susan Day

Friday, May 18, 2012, gates open at 9:30am
Black-Eyed Susan Day One of Pimlico’s oldest stakes races, the Black-Eyed Susan was first run at Pimlico in 1919 as the Pimlico Oaks; but the name was later changed in 1952 to compliment the Preakness and to acknowledge the Maryland state flower. The mile and one-eighth test for three-year-old fillies is traditionally run the Friday before the Preakness. The race was first graded in 1973 and has been a Grade II event since 1976. Among the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes winners are classic fillies as Rachel Alexandra and Nellie Morse, who were the only fillies ever to also take the Preakness; Gallorette; High Voltage; Caesar’s Wish and Wide Country.

People’s Pink Party — Black-Eyed Susan Day

Friday May 18, 2012 at 9:30 AM
Celebrate the People’s Pink Party on Black-Eyed Susan Day, featuring the 88th running of the Black-Eyed Susan for 3-year old fillies. The Maryland Jockey Club is proud to partner with the Maryland Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research and community outreach programs. Witness history in the making with the return of legendary, retired female riders, the Legends for the CureTM, and much more! Join the People’s Pink Party on Preakness Eve to support Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. For tickets and information, please visit www.preakness.com or www.komenmd.org or call (410) 542.9400. *Now thru May 18th, the Maryland Jockey Club will donate a portion of each ticket sold to the Turfside Terrace on Black-Eyed Susan Day to Susan G. Komen for the Cure Maryland, for an all source minimum guarantee of $25,000. Turfside Terrace fans will be treated to a Mediterranean buffet and a live performance by Edens Edge with host Lauri DeYoung of WPOC 93.1.

Koopers Tavern Triple Crown Happy Hour

Saturday, May 19, 2012, 1pm-5pm
Enjoy Black Eyed Susan drinks for $6, Maryland Crabcake sliders, raffles, games and more!

137th Running of the Preakness Stakes

Saturday May 19, 2012
One of the nation’s largest, single-day, annual sporting events! Once again Baltimore’s Old Hilltop comes alive with the running of the 137th Preakness Stakes, where the finest three-year old thoroughbreds will compete for $1 million in the middle jewel of the Triple Crown.

InfieldFest 2012 features performances by Grammy Award winners Maroon 5 and multi-platinum rapper Wiz Khalifa! The Beer Garden Jägermeister Stage welcomes regional favorites, Mr. Greengenes, Nashville-based country band, Little Big Town, and British rockers, The Darkness.