The Preakness Stakes experienced a disappointing television rating this year, averaging just 4.56 million viewers, the lowest since 1995, excluding the pandemic year of 2020. This marks a 16% decline from last year’s audience of 5.47 million, largely attributed to the absence of Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty, which diminished the excitement surrounding the Triple Crown storyline. Despite a peak viewership of 5.9 million during the race, the lack of a compelling narrative significantly impacted audience engagement.
In related news, Junior Alvarado, the winning jockey of the Kentucky Derby, faces a $62,000 fine and a two-day suspension for violating riding crop rules. He struck Sovereignty eight times, exceeding the allowed limit. However, Alvarado is appealing the fine, and a potential rule change could reduce his penalty, as his previous violations may not count under the new guidelines.
Additionally, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) has begun classifying equine fatalities by cause in an effort to improve safety in horse racing. Their latest report indicated a slight rise in training-related horse deaths, with 51 fatalities reported in the first quarter of 2025, up from 47 the previous year. This increase highlights ongoing challenges in monitoring training environments, which contribute significantly to horse fatalities.
