As 148th Preakness Stakes approaches, a grim trend greets the future of Maryland thoroughbred racing

Thoroughbred horse racing, renowned for its excitement and splendor, was once dubbed the “sport of kings.” Seabiscuit and Secretariat captured the national imagination. One of the first Sports Illustrated articles, in 1954, highlighted a horse owned by Queen Elizabeth II running at Laurel Park. Today, racing remains historic and entertaining and, perhaps most notably in Maryland, brings the state its most iconic annual event, the Preakness.