Kentucky Derby Winner Plans Trip To Preakness
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The Kentucky Derby winner looks to win the second jewel in the Triple Crown. The thoroughbred's arrival to Pimlico could boost ticket sales to the Preakness.
Gigi Barnett explains how.
Kentucky Derby winner Orb is headed to Baltimore's Preakness. The thoroughbred made a late race surge to win the first jewel in the Triple Crown this weekend.
And Orb has ties to Maryland. His co-owner Stewart Janney, lives in Baltimore County.
"We are very, very grateful," Janney said. "Some people said, `Well, maybe his time has come.' I certainly hoped that it had and it did."
The next stop now for Orb is Preakness.
Because of his connection with Maryland, his appearance could help hike up the attendance numbers this year.
Preakness officials say a new record is in sight; ticket sales are 10% higher than they were last year.
"Overall, I'm very, very pleased with two weeks to go," said Maryland Jockey Club President Tom Chuckas.
Chuckas says an image change a couple of couple of years ago that included attention-grabbing commercials and headliner musical acts will do their parts again in attracting an even larger crowd this year.
"You've got fantastic music out there. You've got some other entertainment. I think it's a social event and not only a social event but a race and a place to be for the people," Chuckas said.
Racing experts say another factor that could boost ticket sales over the next few weeks is the timing of the arrival of the Kentucky Derby winner to Baltimore. The sooner Orb gets to Pimlico, the better sales will be.
Orb arrives at Pimlico on May 14. Other thoroughbreds begin to arrive this week.
