Some Fun at the Preakness Stakes as ‘Early Voting’ Takes Victory Lap – Opinion

Growing up in Kentucky with both your parents and grandparents, it is no surprise that the Kentucky Derby, which forms part of the Triple Crown, takes place in Louisville at Churchill Downs. In a lot of ways, it’s a sign that spring is on the way, similar to Opening Day for baseball fans in cold-weather states (I’m originally from Ohio).

But, there are two other races to follow in the racing season — and the second one took place Saturday in Maryland. Baltimore’s Pimlico Race Course hosts the Preakness Stakes two weeks after the Derby. (In three weeks from Saturday, New York’s Belmont Stakes will be held.)

Now, at the Kentucky Derby, the pre-race traditions include the singing of the official Bluegrass state song, “My Old Kentucky Home,” by Stephen C. Foster.

Starting in 1939, the official state song of Maryland was “Maryland, My Maryland,” according to the state government website. And that’s what they used to sing there (until 2020, when the woke mob made them stop). According to the state website,

As of July 1, 2021, “Maryland, My Maryland” as the State song was repealed and not replaced by the General Assembly (Chapters 148 & 149, Acts of 2021).

Here’s a lovely rendition of it, for old times’ sake:

Is there anyone else who misses US Naval Academy Glee Club singing?
“Maryland is my Maryland at the #Preakness #Tradition https://t.co/SoggayM2SR

— Bearzus (@bearzus) May 15, 2021

Now, I’m familiar with military flyovers at other sporting events like the Indianapolis 500 or the Major League Baseball’s World Series, but they had this spectacular display of a Northrop Grumman B-2 (Stealth Bomber) flying over before the Preakness started.

That was amazing. #B2stealthbomber #Preakness pic.twitter.com/kIw36dW5x8

— NTRA (@NTRA) May 21, 2022

Not sure how calming that could have been for the horses (but it’s likely no one asked them).

Now, everyone who follows horse racing (even casually) knows that the Derby is known as “the Run for the Roses.” The winning horse is adorned with a blanket of red roses. They have what at the Preakness. Why, it’s black-eyed Susans!

It’s a great day to be in the Winner’s Circle at #Pimlico. Seventeen of today’s nine bestselling books are available online. #PreaknessStakesSecretariat is the descendant of contenders. We wish all horses and riders good fortune and safe travels.
Four favorite images from the 1973 Preakness: https://t.co/XkIY2qee2V pic.twitter.com/BHs7ZSUAlo

— Secretariat (@SECRETARIATofcl) May 21, 2022

I’ll admit, it was completely irresistible to write about this year’s race, once I heard the name of the winning horse. In perhaps a twist of irony (or God winking at all of us who are so serious about politics), the horse’s name is Early Voting.

BREAKING https://t.co/hqWSBVnrHm

— The Associated Press (@AP) May 21, 2022

Watch Early Voting’s thrilling, come-from-behind win below, courtesy of NBC Sports: