Mark Casse was not a Metallica guy until he began training Sandman. Now he is a big fan. The band has returned the favor. Front man James Hetfield met the horse at Churchill Downs before the Kentucky Derby, and he and the rest of Metallica filmed a video for Casse and Co. wishing Sandman well in the Preakness this weekend.

Now in its fourth year, AfroPreak is shifting the culture at one of horse racing’s oldest institutions—by making sure Black voices, businesses, and brilliance take the lead.

City Council President Zeke Cohen says he's excited to see the half a billion dollars being invested in the track and the surrounding Park Heights community.

To spread out the three Triple Crown races? Switch the order of them? Let horses run on a two-week turnaround?

So many memories of Preaknesses. Maybe more precious are the rare afternoons playing hooky from work and enjoying the horses, jockeys, and exciting races without the crowds. I’m from Woodbourne Heights in Baltimore, 15 minutes from the track. I’m excited about the new Pimlico. I hope they will honor the name and memories with the new track. — Susan

Each business gets to show off its specialty to people who come through the door ahead of the 150th Preakness Stakes.

The wrecking ball is just about hovering over Pimlico Race Course, with a complete knockdown and rebuild of the grandstand and other facilities coming.

Baltimore Sun reporter Sam Cohn got firsthand knowledge of how to ride a horse from Maryland-based jockey Sheldon Russell and his wife.