From Pimlico to the Polls: The Surprising Similarities Between Racing and Politics

By RWBC President Louise Baker

On May 16 of this year, the 151st running of the Preakness Stakes took place. Once again, I was wowed by the parallels between thoroughbred horse racing and elections.

There is so much preparation leading up to each and every thoroughbred race, and there are several behind-the-scenes soldiers. Groomsmen, trainers, outriders, racetrack officials, and jockeys are all essential. Election candidates likewise require campaign managers, social media platforms, election board employees, poll volunteers, and, most importantly, people willing to get out and vote. Money is also essential for both.

Racehorses have one shot to win a race. At a recent Lincoln-Douglas dinner in Annapolis, Winsome Sears stated, “If you run for office, you must be prepared to lose.” Fourteen horses risked losing on Preakness Day. Nine Republican candidates for Governor of Maryland will risk losing on June 23. If a race is won, horses move up and run in bigger, more lucrative races. Election candidates campaign through the primary and, if successful, move on to compete in more important and significant races.

Horse racing handicappers do extensive research before placing their bets. Republican voters do the same, asking crucial questions, watching debates, and using their brains. Occasionally, the long shot wins and handicappers and pollsters get it wrong. After all, our own Ellen Sauerbrey defeated heavily favored Helen Bentley with 52% of the vote compared to Bentley’s 38% in the Republican gubernatorial primary in 1994.

The Triple Crown is a unifying event encompassing three races. Who doesn’t root for one spectacular horse to win all three? Millions of United States citizens, along with fans from other countries, tune in for this season of racing. We start with the Kentucky Derby, move on to the Preakness Stakes, and finish with the Belmont Stakes. How tremendously exciting it is to have a Triple Crown winner. Folks from all over the country attend these races, and jockeys from many nationalities ride these horses. It is a unifying five weeks, similar to all U.S. citizens having the opportunity to exercise the privilege of voting—an action denied to many citizens of other countries. Schools close, and some workers are given the day off on this essential day in our constitutional republic.

The citizens of Baltimore and the surrounding counties also unify during the Preakness. Residents living near Pimlico Race Course prepare to sell water bottles, T-shirts, programs, and ponchos while creating ample parking for those attending the race. Restaurants and other establishments prepare for Preakness watch parties. It is truly an exciting day for all Marylanders. Of course, this pivoted to Laurel Park this year.

Unfortunately, at times a horse race is fixed, lining the pockets of many. Feel free to draw your own conclusions about fixed elections.

Objections can be filed in both situations. Racing officials and election boards make final calls. That is why we should hold all tickets until races are declared official. Frankly, horse racing and betting technology is more secure than elections because when the gate opens and the start bell sounds, all bets are shut down.

Unfortunately, these days protesters find ways to distract from and take away from these unifying moments. This is shameful and simply continues to divide and further fracture the foundation of our country. Do not buy into this ploy and divisive tactic. We are smarter than that.

At times, history is made. Look no further than Donald Trump’s second presidential election victory, and congratulations to Cherie DeVaux, trainer of Golden Tempo, who will forever be known as the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby.

I will leave you with two fun facts. The blanket of black-eyed Susans draped across the Preakness winner’s back is not made of black-eyed Susans, but instead painted daisies. Our state flower does not bloom until early to mid-August. And notice the beautiful cross on Golden Tempo’s forehead. Golden Tempo came from dead last to beat Renegade (Obama’s Secret Service code name) by a neck. Perhaps Trump’s political career was summed up in a single horse race. Is this the Golden Age for patriots? After all, there are no coincidences.