What Time Does The Preakness Stakes Start, End?

The Preakness Stakes is back in its usual spot on the sports calendar in 2021 as it will go off on the third Saturday in May. The May 15 race is the second leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown and there will be heavy wagering interest, per usual, in the event. If you are placing pre-race wagers on the Run for the Black Eyed Susans you may be wondering, what time does the Preakness Stakes start? We will answer that here and also dish out the latest odds on the race when they are made available.

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What time does the Preakness Stakes start, end?

Wondering what time does the Preakness Stakes start this year? The big race is back in its traditional time slot for 2021 as the Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown has a set post time of 6:47 p.m. ET. So, if you’re on the West Coast this means it begins at 3:47 p.m., if you’re in the Rocky Mountain time zone it’s 4:47 p.m. and if you’re in the Midwest have your bets in by 5:47 p.m.

Last year the race started at 5:40 p.m. ET because it occurred in October. Of course, it starts to get dark in the late afternoon/early evening during the fall months. But no need to worry about that this year as we’re back on the usual schedule, with the Preakness taking place in May and just before 7 p.m. ET.

As for what time does the Preakness Stakes end, you can expect the race to last just under two minutes. Last year’s winner, Swiss Skydiver, won with a time of 1:53.28. So, expect everything to be wrapped up around 6:49 p.m. ET.

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Preakness Stakes odds

Odds for the 2021 Preakness Stakes have been posted at TVG. Click on the odds below to bet now. The Preakness is preceded by the Kentucky Derby – which took place May 1 – and is followed by the third leg of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes. The Belmont is also back in its normal position on the calendar as it will go off on the first Saturday in June.