[Editor’s note: Welcome back to the return of “Collector’s Corner” to Uni Watch. Although no longer run by Brinke Guthrie, it has been ably resurrected by Chris Weir. Chris approached me about restarting CC, vowing to uphold the old look and style, but with one new twist: he will make each edition timely with what is going on currently in the sports world (i.e. rivalry games, big events, anniversary of events). Enjoy and please give Chris some feedback about the new (old) feature. — PH]
Collector’s Corner
by Chris Weir
This Saturday will be the 150th and last running of the Preakness Stakes at the current version of Pimlico Race Course. After this year’s race the entire complex at Old Hilltop will be razed and the Preakness Stakes will be held at nearby Laurel Park for at least one year.
Maryland horse racing has taken numerous body blows through the years but the eventual closing of Laurel Park after the Pimlico project is completed really hurts. Hopefully a rejuvenated Pimlico and a consolidated racing scene will be a much needed shot in the arm for Maryland horse racing.
The last Maryland bred horse to win the Preakness Stakes was Deputed Testamony in 1983. While Pay Billy isn’t Maryland bred, he does his racing at Laurel Park so I’ll take him with heavy favorite Journalism in an exacta box. Very unfortunate that Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty isn’t racing in the Preakness Stakes.
• The logo for the 150th Preakness Stakes, shown on this Glass, is a bit uninspiring for the sesquicentennial.
• Just like the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes glasses are a popular collectible. This Glass from the 1981 Preakness Stakes is my favorite. It has great color mixed with fine detail on the horses and the large glass window of the grandstand.
• Usher attire and related collectibles always catch my eye for some reason. I’ve said it before but I wish venues would invest more in usher attire. It seems like these days all ushers wear just simple polos and khakis. Here is a nice Usher Ensemble from an unknown Preakness Stakes.
• The 100th running of the Preakness Stakes was in 1975 and I’ve found a lot of great stuff from that race including this Glass Dish, this Tie, and this Plate.
• This Jim Beam Decanter from the 1970 Preakness prominently features the Woodlawn Vase which is the trophy awarded to the winner of the Preakness Stakes. The trophy is valued at $4 million so you can see why a replica of the trophy is actually handed to the winning owner and the trophy itself remains in Baltimore year round.
• Some fantastic art is featured on the cover of this Program from the 1937 Preakness Stakes.
• This Baseball acts as an invitation to a Preakness Eve party at the Camden Yards Warehouse and then a game between the Orioles and Devil Rays. All it does is remind me of that Baseball Made Out of Secretariat.
• If the Preakness Stakes had an official drink I guess it would have to be National Bohemian or as everyone calls it in Baltimore, “Natty Boh.” I’m not really sure if it’s even sold at Pimlico though. If you’ve never had a Natty Boh you’re not missing out on anything special. Here is a Natty Boh Can from 1978 paying tribute to the Triple Crown Winners and here is a Advertisement for Natty Boh coolers at the Preakness. A while back to everyone’s dismay they banned coolers from the infield at Pimlico. Probably a good thing considering the alcohol fueled mayhem was getting Out of Hand.
• We’ve got a nice array of Black Eyed Susans, which are Draped on the winning horse, on this Hat from the 1983 Preakness Stakes.
• Here is an oddly designed Hat from the 1976 Preakness Stakes that is half trucker style. Since it was 1976 the logo of the race that year had a bi-centennial theme.
• Really interesting Pin Set from the 1987 Preakness Stakes that features pins of horses with various Elks Lodges in Maryland on their saddle blankets.
• I’ve never seen an autographed Whip before.
• People love game used items but how about race worn items? I know back in the day pretty much anyone associated with horse racing liked to get their hands on the abundant horseshoes worn by famous thoroughbreds. Here is a Horseshoe worn by Bravazo in the 2017 Preakness Stakes.
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A few stories of note about my beloved Preakness:
I work for the hospital system that Sinai Hospital and Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center, the two hospitals that are right next to Pimlico Race course, are a part of. There is a parking lot that the hospitals use every day, with shuttles taking employees to their respective worksites. Except for the day of the Preakness. Beginning in 2014, Preakness-goers could park on the employee’s parking lot for $25/$30 dollars. I’m sure it’s more now. link
Neighbors of the track also offer parking on their lawns, similar to what residents in Green Bay did for the NFL Draft. link
“Maryland’s state flower, the Black-eyed Susan, is often worn and referenced at the Preakness Stakes. A blanket of the yellow-petaled blossoms has been awarded to the winner of the Preakness since 1940, when it was established as the official flower of the event. However, because the Black-eyed Susan usually blooms in June, the blanket is made of Viking Poms for the race winner. Thousands of flowers make up the final product.”
There IS an official drink!
The cocktail of choice for the Preakness Stakes is the Black-Eyed Susan. The drink, created in 1973 by Harry Stevens, who served as one of Pimlico’s longtime caterers, is named after Maryland’s state flower.
1 ounce peach schnapps
1 ounce bourbon whiskey
1 ounce vodka
2 ounces orange juice
2 ounces sour mix
An orange slice and cherry for garnish
link
And lastly, the church I went to when I was in early elementary school can be seen during the races. It’s on the back stretch. I remember when I was a kid, I would be fascinated when my church would be on TV. Oh to be a kid again :-) (You can see my old church at the :42 mark: link)
This is great stuff, Marcus! Thanks for sharing your memories!
Natth Boh ‘Rita – Old Bay seasoning on top of a can of Natty Boh
DEFINITELY can’t go wrong with a Natty Boh!
More Simpson’s references please. I knew exactly what was coming and it did not disappoint.
But Homer! On your way out, if you want to kill somebody, it would help me a lot.
Total disservice to a great beer, when it and its companion- National Premium_ were brewed in BALTIMORE! Now some other state, totally unworthy, capitalizes on its traditions, like the indianapolis football team.