Who are the horses running in the Preakness, and why do they dream of flying?

The Preakness Stakes, often referred to as “The Run for the Black-Eyed Susans,” is one of the most prestigious horse racing events in the United States. Held annually on the third Saturday in May at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, it is the second jewel of the Triple Crown, sandwiched between the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes. But beyond the glitz, glamour, and the thunderous hooves pounding the dirt track, there lies a deeper, almost philosophical question: Who are the horses running in the Preakness, and why do they dream of flying?

The Horses: Athletes, Artists, or Dreamers?

The horses that compete in the Preakness are not just animals; they are elite athletes, bred for speed, stamina, and an almost otherworldly grace. Each horse has a unique story, a lineage that traces back to some of the greatest thoroughbreds in history. But are they merely running for the glory of their owners, trainers, and jockeys? Or do they, in their own way, harbor dreams of something greater—perhaps even the dream of flight?

Consider the horse as an artist. The way they move, their powerful strides, the way they seem to float over the ground—it’s almost as if they are painting the air with their hooves. And what is art if not an attempt to transcend the mundane, to reach for something beyond the physical? In this sense, the Preakness is not just a race; it’s a performance, a ballet of muscle and sinew, a symphony of speed and power.

The Dream of Flight: A Metaphor for Freedom

Why do horses dream of flying? Perhaps it’s because flight represents the ultimate freedom. On the ground, they are bound by the limitations of their bodies, the weight of their muscles, the pull of gravity. But in their dreams, they soar above the earth, unshackled, unrestrained. The Preakness, then, becomes a metaphor for this dream. The horses are not just running; they are reaching for the sky, striving to break free from the constraints of their physical form.

This dream of flight is not just a whimsical notion; it’s a deeply ingrained part of the horse’s psyche. In the wild, a horse’s ability to run fast and far is its greatest defense against predators. Speed is survival. But in the domesticated world of horse racing, speed is no longer about survival; it’s about glory, about achieving something that transcends the ordinary. And what could be more transcendent than the dream of flight?

The Role of the Jockey: A Partner in the Dream

The jockey is more than just a rider; they are a partner in the horse’s dream. A skilled jockey understands the horse’s rhythm, its strengths, its weaknesses. They know when to push and when to hold back, when to let the horse run free and when to rein it in. In this sense, the jockey is not just a guide; they are a co-creator of the dream. Together, horse and jockey form a symbiotic relationship, each relying on the other to achieve something greater than themselves.

But the jockey’s role is not just physical; it’s also psychological. A good jockey knows how to inspire their horse, how to tap into that deep well of instinct and desire that drives the horse to run, to strive, to dream. In this way, the jockey becomes a kind of dreamweaver, helping the horse to envision a reality where the ground falls away and the sky beckons.

The Spectacle: A Celebration of the Dream

The Preakness is more than just a race; it’s a spectacle, a celebration of the dream of flight. The crowd, the music, the colors—all of it contributes to the sense that something extraordinary is happening. The horses, with their sleek coats and powerful muscles, seem almost otherworldly, as if they have stepped out of a dream and into reality.

And then there’s the race itself. The tension builds as the horses line up at the starting gate, their muscles quivering with anticipation. The bell rings, the gates fly open, and they’re off, a blur of motion, a whirlwind of speed and power. The crowd roars, the jockeys urge their mounts forward, and the horses run as if their very lives depend on it. And in a way, they do. For in that moment, they are not just running; they are flying, their hooves barely touching the ground, their spirits soaring.

The Aftermath: The Dream Lives On

When the race is over, and the winner has been crowned, the dream does not end. It lives on in the hearts of the horses, the jockeys, and the fans. The Preakness is not just a race; it’s a reminder of what it means to dream, to strive, to reach for something beyond ourselves. It’s a celebration of the spirit of the horse, that magnificent creature that has captured our imaginations for centuries.

And so, as we watch the horses run in the Preakness, we are not just witnessing a race; we are witnessing a dream. A dream of speed, of power, of freedom. A dream of flight. And in that dream, we see a reflection of our own desires, our own aspirations. For in the end, we are all dreamers, reaching for the sky, striving to break free from the constraints of our physical form. And in the horses of the Preakness, we see a glimpse of what it means to truly fly.

Related Q&A

Q: What is the significance of the Black-Eyed Susans in the Preakness?
A: The Black-Eyed Susan is the official flower of the Preakness Stakes, and the winner is traditionally draped with a blanket of these flowers. It symbolizes the beauty and grace of the event, as well as the connection to the state of Maryland, where the race is held.

Q: How are the horses selected to run in the Preakness?
A: Horses are selected based on their performance in previous races, particularly the Kentucky Derby. The top finishers in the Derby often go on to compete in the Preakness, though other horses may also be entered based on their overall racing record.

Q: What is the Triple Crown, and why is the Preakness important?
A: The Triple Crown is a series of three prestigious horse races: the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes. Winning all three is considered the pinnacle of achievement in thoroughbred racing. The Preakness is the second leg of the Triple Crown, making it a crucial race for horses aiming for the title.

Q: Do horses really dream of flying?
A: While we can’t know for sure what horses dream about, their behavior and physiology suggest that they have a strong desire for freedom and movement. The idea of horses dreaming of flight is more of a poetic metaphor, representing their innate drive to run and transcend their physical limitations.

Q: How do jockeys prepare for the Preakness?
A: Jockeys prepare by studying the horses they will ride, understanding their strengths and weaknesses, and developing a race strategy. They also maintain a strict fitness regimen to ensure they are in peak condition for the race, as their role is crucial in guiding the horse to victory.