2025 Preakness Stakes: Start Time, Horses, and How to Watch

Baltimore, Maryland – The 150th Preakness Stakes is scheduled for Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Pimlico Race Course. This historic horse race, a key event in the Triple Crown series, is expected to draw thousands of fans.

The race will start at 6:50 p.m. ET, although this time could change depending on the horses’ readiness. NBC will begin broadcasting live coverage at 2 p.m. ET, leading up to the main event.

This year, nine horses will compete, with the notable absence of Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty, who will not race. The participating horses include Goal Oriented, Journalism, American Promise, Heart of Honor, Pay Billy, River Thames, Sandman, Clever Again, and Gosger.

The total purse for the Preakness Stakes is $2 million, with $1.2 million awarded to the winner. Additionally, the winner receives a replica of the iconic Woodlawn Vase.

Viewers can watch the Preakness live on NBC or stream it through the Peacock app, starting with preliminary races at 2 p.m. ET. Coverage will continue throughout the day, culminating in the much-anticipated main race.

As excitement builds for this year’s Preakness, fans are reminded to tune in early to catch all the action.