The Preakness Stakes will now take place without fans in attendance on October 3 at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, in the wake of the global Covid-19 pandemic.
It means none of the three Triple Crown horse racing events will have spectators this year due to the health crisis.
Belinda Stronach, the chairman and president of race owners Stronach Group, said in a statement: “While we had hoped to be able to welcome fans as we have for the past 145 years, the health and safety of our guests, horsemen, riders, team members and the community at large is, and will always be, our top priority.”
Only essential racing personnel and horsemen will be permitted on-site at Pimlico Race Course on race day.
The Preakness, which was postponed from May, follows the lead of the Belmont Stakes and this weekend’s Kentucky Derby in not allowing fans to attend.
