Adrian for Laurel

I keep meaning to circle back and share memories from the Laurel’s first (and perhaps only) hosting of the Preakness Stakes –

First, to extend my thanks to Mayor Sydnor for requesting from Governor Moore tickets for the City, and to Governor Moore for providing. It was an honor, as well, to be able to meet the Governor again and chat for a few minutes.

The event itself was definitely more intimate than is often associated with Preaknesses of years past – Part is that there were roughly 3,500 people in attendance, a far cry from the 80,000+ that have been known to pack into Baltimore’s Pimlico in its heyday. There also weren’t really live bands, energetic crowds, or many of the other associations you might make. And while the absence of those could lead to a feeling of letdown, it did translate into a much greater focus on the practice and tradition of the event: the horses as they paraded to the paddock, the pre-Preakness races leading up to the main event, the colorful jockey shirts, the owner families and trainers nervously awaiting the big race, etc.

(Video of the Preakness horses parading past the stands with their jockeys, trainers, and owner families.)

Horses have had a long history in Maryland, and also in Laurel. I remember growing up in south Laurel and seeing out the window of our car the horse farm near Contee and Larchdale, and you’ll still find some along Brooklyn Bridge Road today. There’s also the old track and training area I’d pass visiting friends down in the Bowie area.

And while I’ve never been into horse racing, I definitely felt some excitement well up within me as the race started – For pure nostalgia’s sake, I’d placed a $5 bet on the hometown horse Taj Mahal. And he leaped out in front and unbelievably held on to that position clear up to the final quarter, where unfortunately he fell behind and Napolean Solo sailed into the lead. But I found my foot unconsciously giving a stomp or two while I cheered him own hoping against hope. :)

(Taj Mahal [in red] being escorted to the starting gate for the big race.)

I’m not sure what the future will hold for Laurel Park – it’s been in a yo-yo these last ten years or so, even most recently announced to become the new horse training hub for the state, but now back on hold while the powers-that-be suss things out. I hope at least some of the story and appreciation of horses remain – We don’t ride horses for transport anymore, or have them assist us with farming or delivery. But there’s something to appreciating the nobility and beauty of horses that seems worth holding onto in some shape or form. I’ve even had a few folks mention to me that it’d be neat to have a tourist/ education venue worked into the existing site, which could double as a way to share this part of Maryland identity and also a good economic boon for our area.

So while the Preakness wasn’t ‘over-the-top’, I did find myself enjoying it and the celebration of horses and Maryland life. We do have something special in our state and our town, and finding more and more ways to celebrate that I think helps bring us together as a community. 🐎🙂

(Laurel Mayor and City Council - courtesy of Voices of Laurel crew)