In his blog, "The Baltimore Sun" writer Peter Schmuck recently defended Preakness organizers, particularly for their decision to make "Get Your Preak On" the slogan for this year's Stakes. After race organizers received national attention and came under fire for the not so subtle connotations that the slogan suggested, he forcefully argues a counter-case against these criticisms and defends the Preakness as an event central to both Maryland's tradition of horse-racing, and to its economy.
He successfully makes the case that in light of the officials' recent steps to prohibit bringing alcohol into the race facility and to reign in (pun intended) some of the rowdier infield traditions, their decision to use a sexy slogan is excusable, and perhaps necessary, in order to maintain some of the race's unique flavor. This after all, as Schmuck notes, is not the place to come and drink Mint Juleps. While for some, the Grandstand and Black Eyed Susan scene may be the place to be seen on Preakness Saturday, if you are looking for a horse race free of the infield antics, you might be better off taking a road trip to Kentucky.
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