They busted out of the gate at Pimlico on Saturday morning, unable to separate from the pack.
But, after rounding the first corner, the leaders clawed ahead and became the first to claim the prize for the short sprint — a red mug — the ticket to bottomless beer for the day.
For spectators, the $20 all-you-can-drink mugs — not monstrous-sized hats or seersucker jackets — were in vogue at the 135th Preakness.
Many lining the track’s infield said the Triple Crown horse race was a sideshow.
“I could care less about the race,” said College Park’s Bill Reynolds, making his first trip to the iconic Baltimore track. “For all I know, Sea Biscuit is racing today. I’m just here to get my drink on.
That’s what race officials were banking on.
Last year, Preakness organizers banned spectators from bringing drinks to the track. And with BYOB so went the crowd — ticket sales hit their lowest point in 25 years.
Thus the drink promotion, musical acts O.A.R. and the Zac Brown Band and banners urging visitors to “Get Your Preak On” this time around.
Judging from the more than half-hour waits at beer tents, the crowds had returned. Some stations were mere conveyor belts, with drinkers filling their cups to the top just to return to the back of the line again.
Still, some said it was lacking in debauchery.
“It’s tamer than it used to be,” said Mark Zigler, of Indian Head, who claimed prime real estate at the edge of the track. “Some crazy things happened when people brought their own booze. It’s actually sort of peaceful today.”
A select few wandering the infield, such as Highlands, N.J.’s Chris Creighton had tickets in the stands.
“I’m actually going to watch the race,” he said. “But you have to wonder how many people are. You don’t see anyone at the betting windows. You have to wonder if they are making any money.”
By mid-afternoon some early starters were already face-first in the grass. Others preferred a trashcan.
This was no Kentucky Derby, said the District’s James Robertson.
“I thought it would be a bunch of uptight people, but it’s the opposite,” he said. It’s like a NASCAR race or something. I’ll definitely be back next year — but maybe they should make the cups bigger.”
