BALTIMORE, 05-08-10---Preakness week unofficially started this morning at Pimlico Race Course with the running of the Preakness 5K. Nearly 600 runners took part in the run,
which started on the famed Pimlico oval and ended in the Infield. The
route included a tour of the nearby Mt. Washington neighborhood.

Baltimore sports marketing and event management company Corrigan Sports Enterprises, Inc. (CSE) organized the event. Part of the proceeds will benefit the Maryland Affiliate of Susan G.
Komen for the Cure®.

“It was a fantastic way to begin what we feel will be a remarkable Preakness,” said Maryland Jockey Club president Tom Chuckas, who along with Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake held the ribbon
when Steve Jacobs crossed the wire first. “It was a terrific turnout
for a great cause and we’d like to thank the Mayor for her continued
support.”

Jacobs, a 27-year-old from Linthicum, Md. finished in 17:42, 39 seconds ahead of Luke Holman. Sherry Stick of Eldersburg, Md. was the female winner in 19:36.

Joe Lascola, from Pimlico’s IT Department, finished 23rd overall in 22:37. 

The 135th running of the Preakness® Stakes, the middle jewel of racing’s Triple Crown, takes place at Pimlico next Saturday, May 15. First post is 10:45 a.m. with Maryland’s signature race
scheduled for 6:15 p.m.

CHARELLE BARNES NAMED MS. PREAKNESS PINK WARRIOR

Charelle Barnes has been named the first official Ms. Preakness Pink Warrior for the 135th Preakness® Stakes. Ms. Preakness Pink Warrior will serve as the official Preakness ambassador at all
events leading up to and including the middle jewel of racing’s Triple
Crown. 

Pimlico Race Course and Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the world’s largest breast cancer organization, have developed a partnership to raise funds to aid awareness and research that will take
place on Black-Eyed Susan Day, Friday, May 14. Pimlico has pledged to
raise a minimum of $100,000 for Komen for the Cure. Fifty percent of the
funds raised will go to the Komen Maryland Affiliate to use for
community outreach programs in Maryland and 50% will be used for
life-saving breast cancer research.

The Miss Preakness contest was refashioned to honor breast cancer survivors and individuals who have made a difference in the lives of those fighting breast cancer. The name Ms. Preakness Pink
Warrior is in recognition of Candy Coburn’s popular song, “Pink
Warrior”.

The 36-year-old Barnes is a two-time cancer survivor who is currently battling the disease for a third time. Diagnosed with cervical cancer at the age of 21 in May 1994, she had surgery and after
chemotherapy and radiation delivered a healthy baby boy. At her six-week
check-up in May ’95 she was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a
second surgery. Less than a year later the cancer returned in her breast
but she has continued to battle. 

Ms. Preakness Pink Warrior will represent the Maryland Jockey Club at official Preakness events throughout the week, including a prominent place on the storied cupola for the presentation of the
Woodlawn Vase following next Saturday’s Preakness.

In recognition of Komen’s signature shade, Pimlico will be awash in pink on Black-Eyed Susan Day. The color pink will brand the day, with horses and pony riders on the track, who will be sporting
pink saddletowels, featuring the newly created unity logo representing
both partners plus, the valets and starters, proudly decked in pink
gear, as well as the festive linens, flowers and banners that will
blanket Pimlico.

The People’s Pink Party will welcome 86 breast cancer survivors as guests of Pimlico, who will be acknowledged in the winner’s circle celebration following the 86th running of the Grade 2 Black-Eyed
Susan for 3-year-old fillies.

The 13-race card will feature an historic pari-mutuel race showcasing legendary retired female riders as well as the second annual $50,000 Pimlico Jockey Challenge, where eight of the nation’s top
jockeys compete in four races with points awarded based upon their
finish.