SEIZE THE GRAY WINS THE 149th PREAKNESS STAKES

LAMAR JACKSON, RAY LEWIS AND CARSON KRESSLEY ATTEND PREAKNESS 149

SIX-TIME GRAMMY® AWARD-NOMINATED ARTIST JACK HARLOW, GRYFFIN, CHANNEL TRES, FRANK WALKER AND CHANTEL JEFFRIES PERFORM AT PREAKNESS LIVE

What: Preakness 149 and Preakness LIVE
Where: Pimlico Race Course (Baltimore, Maryland)
When: Saturday, May 18, 2024

Seize the Gray, trained by Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas and ridden by newcomer jockey Jaime Torres, was presented with the Tiffany & Co. Woodlawn Vase by Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Belinda Stronach, Chairman and CEO, 1/ST and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott after winning the 149th Preakness Stakes (GI), the $2 million middle jewel of the Triple Crown. Seize the Grey, owned by 2,570 shareholders in MyRacehorse, broke sharply from the starting gate to take a lead he would never relinquish on his way to a 2 1⁄4-length triumph over Kentucky Derby (GI) winner Mystik Dan in the 149th running of the Preakness Stakes.

With 9-1 odds to win, he completed the 1 3/16-mile race in 1:56.82, edging out Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan and six other horses to win. Wagering on the middle jewel of the Triple Crown was $98.8 million.

On Friday, May 17, the 100th George E. Mitchell Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (GII) was won by Gun Song, owned by R. Lee Lewis, trained by Mark Hennig and ridden by jockey John Velazquez. The Black-Eyed Susan day handle was a record $28.4 million, up from $28.2 million last year.

Reflecting 1/ST’s commitment to delivering an exceptional experience for all guests, the Preakness 149 event footprint was designed to improve both comfort and hospitality for all ticket goers. Tickets for all premium hospitality areas were sold out with a total attendance of 63,423.

Belinda Stronach hosted VIP guests in the 1/ST Chalet, including Ray Lewis, Lamar Jackson, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, First Lady Dawn Moore, Carson Kressley and Kevin Liles, to name a few, who all enjoyed spectacular finish line views from the two-story glass chalet located next to the Winner’s Circle and historic cupola.

Preakness LIVE took over the Pimlico infield evolving the Infield Fest experience, ushering in a new era for live music, entertainment, arts and culture on Preakness Day. Preakness guests enjoyed a post-race headline performance by GRAMMY® nominated artist Jack Harlow, as well as performances by Gryffin, Channel Tres, Frank Walker and Chantel Jefferies. Preakness LIVE featured the Palm Club VIP area, curated by luxury global entertainment and hospitality brand partner, Palm Tree Crew. This year’s rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner was sung by Jimmy Charles, acclaimed country music artist and Maryland native.

1/ST partnered with Baltimore’s The Finn Group to produce the third annual AfroPreak Lounge. The AfroPreak Lounge has grown to be part of the heart and culture of Preakness. From starting as a concept with 100 guests in 2022 to 1,200 guests for Preakness 149. Guests included Raven players Zay Flowers and Malik Cunningham, Mayor Brandon Scott, City Council President Nick Mosby, Delegate Malcom Ruff, members of The Maryland Legislative Black Caucus, Shelonda Stokes, President, Downtown Partnership and Rachel Graham, CEO, BOPA. The event activation featured DJ NO ID, DJ BIG L, DJ PDRAMA, and DJ FLOW (Meek Mill’s official DJ), a Cigar Lounge and curated selfie Lounge by Finn Design House. The collaboration with 1/ST allowed 12 African American-owned companies to participate in Preakness 149.

This year’s Preakness shined a spotlight on Baltimore’s vibrant art scene with the return of The Art of Racing in collaboration with Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). A capsule collection featuring the winning artwork, “First Turn” by Leo Kahl, was curated and available for purchase throughout Preakness Weekend with proceeds going to the Park Heights Renaissance, the non-profit organization shaping the future of the Park Heights community where Pimlico Race Course is located.

Preakness 149 marked the second annual Preak Weeks initiative, created as part of the Baltimore 1/ST campaign to drive support and economic value to independent – and in many cases small, BIPOC and women-owned – businesses in the local community. This year 22 businesses participated, each giving away a four pack of tickets to encourage people to patronize local businesses and to participate in the Preakness tradition.

Joining Maryland First Lady Dawn Moore for the trophy presentation for the George E. Mitchell Black-Eyed Susan Stakes was George E. Mitchell Jr. and Yolanda Jiggetts, CEO of the Park Heights Renaissance. Jiggetts presented Danelle Pinder of Excellence & Ambition Inc. with the fourth-annual George E. Mitchell Community Fellowship Grant, the largest grant to date at $50,000. The funds will further Excellence & Ambition Inc.’s work to support entrepreneurship, career development and personal growth among individuals aged 14 to 21. As part of the partnership between the Preakness and Park Heights Renaissance, 500 Preakness tickets were donated to the organization as well as many plants and flowers from Preakness 149 to support beautification of the Park Heights community.

Guests at Preakness 149 enjoyed an array of unique and exciting experiences from 22 partner activations. Guests sipped the iconic Black-Eyed Susan cocktail, crafted with Bulleit Bourbon and Ketel One Vodka from spirits partner Diageo and savored the exclusive Preakness Ale created by Guinness Open Gate Brewery. Attendees were also treated to the popular Ketel One Vodka Espresso Martini draft machine. The event featured incredible beverage activations, including a Veuve Clicquot champagne garden and a fully branded Whispering Angel bar. Mocktails were available at an immersive lounge sponsored by CELSIUS. Visit Baltimore debuted a two-story visitors center on the infield featuring local vendors and small businesses. Adding to the local flavor, the OLD BAY® activation offered fun games and free merchandise on the infield. Additionally, Davidoff Cigars provided a complimentary “Cut & Light” activation for guests. Attendees also enjoyed a gastronomic journey with curated vendors, including popular Maryland eateries like Boardwalk Fries, Brookside Market, Chesapeake Pit Beef/Turkey, Fare Funnel, Hoodfellas, Jimmy’s Favorite Seafood, Kinda Jerky/Really Nutty, Lobster Hut, Peruvian Brothers, Stuggy’s Hot Dogs, and more. To capture the excitement, 1/ST collaborated with NBC to produce brand integrations for Bulleit Bourbon, Ketel One Vodka, and Guinness Open Gate Brewery during the live national broadcast.

For more information visit www.preakness.com or @PreaknessStakes on social.

ANECDOTES:
● Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Belinda Stronach, Chairman and CEO, 1/ST and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott presented the Tiffany & Co. Woodlawn Vase to the connections of Seize the Gray
● Governor Wes Moore presented Belinda Stronach with an official proclamation declaring Pimlico the life-long home of the Preakness
● Baltimore Ravens legend Ray Lewis announced “Riders Up” followed by his famous squirrel dance
● First Lady Dawn Moore stunned in Maryland-designed looks by dress designer DIFFERENTREGARD and milliner Margie Hicks, styled by Maria V. Williams and Angelique Michelle
● Pimlico honored the First Responders of the Key Bridge collapse during Preakness 149
● Randy Savvy and the Compton Cowboys along with Teddy Beats performed for guests
in the 1/ST Wagering Tent on the infield
● A new trend emerged on the tracks: rain boots and ponchos over couture dresses
● Bravolebrities Jesse Solomon from Summer House hung out with Nick Arrington from
Summer House Martha’s Vineyard
● Chantel Jeffries brought her best friend, Cassidy Jordan, onstage with her during her set
● Kevin Liles led the 1,200 guests of AfroPreak in a call and repeat to hip hop classics
● Baltimore Ravens players Lamar Jackson and Malik Cunningham and Washington Commanders players Andrew Jones and Cole Turner celebrated the Preakness Stakes win from the balcony of the 1/ST chalet, among a crew of other NFL players
● Celebs and influencers enjoyed cigars in the Davidoff lounge and printed customized Preakness logos on pints of Guinness
● Nick Arrington of reality show Summer House Martha’s Vineyard sang into a Veuve Clicquot bottle during Jack Harlow’s “Lovin’ on Me”
● Carson Kressley jumped for joy with an umbrella on the 1/ST chalet terrace
● Jack Harlow shook the hands of dozens of fans in the front row during his Preakness
LIVE performance, took selfies and even cowboy hat from fans
● Jack Harlow gave a shout out to Lamar Jackson during his performance at Preakness
LIVE, honoring their Louisville connection
● Maryland native and former American Idol contestant Jimmy Charles performed the
National Anthem from the cupola
● Influencers Silvana Mojica, Halley Kate and Kate Bartlet danced at the Palm Club VIP
area at Preakness LIVE
● Gryffin posed on the red carpet
● Pageant Queens Miss Maryland USA, Savena Mushinge; Miss Maryland, Kennedy
Tayor; Miss Maryland Teen, Rachel Spencer; Miss Baltimore Teen Allison Wheeler; and
Miss Chesapeake Bay, Jaclyn Davis attended the race day festivities
● In the final race of the day, the top three horses had a photo finish, with unofficial results
announced minutes following the race
● Guests were treated to a flyover by P-51 Mustangs

EVENT HOST:
● 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
● Nicole Walker, Vice President, The Stronach Group and professional equestrian

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
● Governor Josh Shapiro, Governor of Pennsylvania
● Governor Janet Mills, Governor of Maine
● Governor Tim Walz, Governor of Minnesota
● Governor Roy Cooper, Governor of North Carolina
● Governor Tony Evers, Governor of Wisconsin
● Governor Phil Murphy, Governor of New Jersey
● Governor Laura Kelly, Governor of Kansas
● Martin O’Malley, former Governor of Maryland
● Nick Mosby, City Council President
● Secretary Kevin Anderson, Secretary of Commerce of the State of Maryland
● Secretary Paul Wiedefeld, Secretary of Transportation of the State of Maryland
● Secretary Portia Wu, Secretary of of Labor of the State of Maryland
● Steuart Pittman, Anne Arudel County Executive
● Bill Ferguson, President of Maryland Senate
● Senator Guy Guzzone, Chair Budget & Taxation Comm
● Senator Craig Zucker, Maryland State Senator
● Senator Nancy King, Maryland State Senator
● Senator Will Smith, Chair Judicial Proceedings Comm
● Delegate Luke Clippinger, Chair Judiciary Committee
● Delegate Marlon Amprey
● D. Wayne Lukas, American Horse Trainer, U.S. Racing Hall of Fame inductee
● Kevin Liles, Chairman & CEO of 300 Elektra Entertainment, Co-Founder & CEO of 300
Entertainment and Head of 300 Studios
● Bob Baffert, American Horse Trainer and eight time Preakness Stakes winner

CELEBRITY GUESTS:
● Jack Harlow, Preakness LIVE Headliner, GRAMMY nominated artist
● Channel Tres, Preakness LIVE Performing Artist, Rapper/Singer
● DJ Chantel Jeffries, Preakness LIVE Performing Artist, DJ/model
● Gryffin, Preakness LIVE Performing Artist, DJ
● Frank Walker, Preakness LIVE Performing Artist, DJ
● Jordan Emanuel, Preakness LIVE Performing Artist, DJ/Reality TV Star
● Nick Arrington, BRAVO TV Personality
● Jesse Solomon, BRAVO TV Personality
● Carson Kressley, TV Personality

ATHLETES & SPORTS INDUSTRY GUESTS:
● Ray Lewis, Former Ravens (NFL)
● Lamar Jackson, Ravens (NFL)
● Zay Flowers, Ravens (NFL)
● Kyle Van Noy, Ravens (NFL)
● Daniel Faaelele, Ravens (NFL)
● Nick Moore, Ravens (NFL)
● Andrew Vorhees, Ravens (NFL)
● Jordan Stout, Ravens (NFL)
● Nelson Agholor, Ravens (NFL)
● Malik Hamm, Ravens (NFL)
● Charlie Kolar, Ravens (NFL)
● Josh Ross, Ravens (NFL)
● Marcus Mariota, Commanders (NFL)
● Clelin Ferrell, Commanders (NFL)
● KJ Henry, Commanders (NFL)
● Bobby Wagner, Commanders (NFL)
● Efe Obada, Commanders (NFL)
● Austin Ekeler, Commanders (NFL)
● John Ridgeway, Commanders (NFL)
● Mike Davis, Commanders (NFL)
● Chris Paul, Commanders (NFL)
● Jahan Dotson, Commanders (NFL)
● Brian Robinson, Commanders (NFL)
● John Bates, Commanders (NFL)
● Jamison Crowder, Commanders (NFL)
● Cole Turner, Commanders (NFL)
● Andrew Wiley, Commanders (NFL)
● Andre Jones, Commanders (NFL)

LINKS TO IMAGERY:

FRIDAY 5/17
● Black-Eyed Susan Day, Imagery Credit: Paul Morigi / Getty Images
○ CAPTION MUST INCLUDE: 100th Black-Eyed Susan Day hosted by 1/ST at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, MD

SATURDAY 5/18
● Preakness 149, Imagery Credit: Paul Morigi / Getty Images
○ CAPTION MUST INCLUDE: Preakness 149 hosted by 1/ST at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, MD
● Preakness LIVE Imagery Credit: Paul Morigi and Taylor Hill / Getty Images
○ GETTY PHOTOS MUST INCLUDE: Correct Photographer credit which are listed
in captions
○ CAPTION MUST INCLUDE: Preakness LIVE at Preakness 149 Hosted By 1/ST
At Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, MD
● Preakness 149, Imagery Credit: Nathalie Gordon
○ CAPTION MUST INCLUDE: Preakness 149 hosted by 1/ST at Pimlico Race
Course in Baltimore, MD
● Preakness 149, Imagery Credit: Dan Swartz
○ CAPTION MUST INCLUDE: Preakness 149 hosted by 1/ST at Pimlico Race
Course in Baltimore, MD
● Preakness 149, Red Carpet, Imagery Credit: World Red Eye
○ CAPTION MUST INCLUDE: Preakness 149 hosted by 1/ST at Pimlico Race
Course in Baltimore, MD
● Preakness 149, Winning Horse of the 149th Preakness Stakes, Imagery Credit: Maryland Jockey Club
○ CAPTION MUST INCLUDE: Preakness 149 hosted by 1/ST at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, MD

Please use caption as noted in photo
MEDIA CONTACT: The Brand Guild, preakness@thebrandguild.com