(Edited press release)
The Maryland Jockey Club unveiled the 2007 Preakness logo Oct. 4. The 132nd running of the $1 million Preakness Stakes (gr. I), the middle jewel of the Triple Crown, is set for May 19 at Pimlico Race Course. This year's logo captures both past and present aspects of the historic Preakness Stakes. The horse and rider are penned in modern strokes. They race above the Preakness 132 banner and are in full flight past a Black-eyed Susan, Maryland's official flower. The word "Preakness" is backed up by the silhouette of Pimlico's old Clubhouse cupola and weathervane, symbols of an event which has been a point of pride in the Baltimore community since 1873. The primary colors for this year's logo are navy blue and gold."In presenting the beloved icons that have defined the Preakness spirit for fans world-wide through such an eye-catching use of colors and artistry, the logo for the 132nd Preakness delivers a dynamic approach to a historic race that has now touched three centuries," said Karin De Francis, Maryland Jockey Club executive vice president. For the eighth consecutive year, the Leffler Agency of Baltimore and Tampa designed the official Preakness logo. Laura Etter designed the 2007 logo. Four times this decade, Ettner's Preakness designs have won major national awards for the agency. "Designing the national Preakness logo is undoubtedly the highlight of our creative year at the Leffler Agency," said Bob Leffler, Leffler Agency president.Tickets for the 2007 Preakness went on sale Oct. 2. Seating information and ticket reservation forms can be found on www.preakness.com. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Preakness sales office at 410-542-9400 or 877-206-8042, extension 300, or by logging on to www.ticketmaster.com.A record crowd of 118,402 packed Pimlico for this year's Preakness May 20, the largest crowd to witness a sporting event in the state. Attendance figures have topped six-figures in seven of the last eight years, including six straight.
