Preakness

Its Preakness Day again, and once again the organizers are worried about the behavior of fans “embarrassing” the state of Maryland.

My Reaction?  PTHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Whether it is the running of the Urinals, the topless tag game we had a decade ago, or the open drug usage and underage drinking that has been going on for the last 50 years,  the Preakness has never been the model of decorum.  The fancy hats and wine drinkers can be found in the grandstand, the infield is (and always has been) the realm of the drunken masses).

Officials are (somewhat) rightfully concerned with the activities that are going on in the largely unregulated infield during the day.  The problem is their concern is over the wrong things.  No one nationally cares what is going on in the infield during the race.  They tune in for the coverage on NBC, maybe read a newspaper article about the race, then forget it existed for a year.  The concern though should be placed on making sure that violence, like last years ugly brawl, isn’t allowed to thrive.  This would keep fans from coming back, which would truly damage the race.

Yes, Youtube has created a lasting image of debauchery at the Preakness, but no one equates those activities with Maryland, Baltimore or the race industry.  It may be the area’s only signature sporting event, but I would be willing to wager that most people don’t even know where Pimlico is unless its mentioned in the telecast.  While the race industry in Maryland may be on its last legs, it is hardly the fault of the drunken morons on the infield.  That blame can be place squarely on the idiots in the State House and the Jockey Club, who were unwilling or unable to confront the challenges facing the industry for the last decade.