Fresno Fair to Hold Preakness Stakes Party This Saturday

FRESNO - The Big Fresno Fair will be hosting a Preakness Stakes party this Saturday, May 17, to celebrate and watch as the excitement mounts over Kentucky Derby winner and Valley native California Chrome. This year’s Preakness Stakes excitement begins at 8 a.m. when doors open at the Fresno Fairgrounds’ Starting Gate and Club One Casino’s Polo Lounge & Event Center located in downtown Fresno. Estimated post-time for the Preakness Stakes is 3:20 p.m.

California Chrome has captured American racing enthusiasts after his win at the Kentucky Derby earlier this month. California Chrome was foaled Feb. 18, 2011, at Harris Farms in Coalinga, Calif., the horse breeding division of the Harris Ranch. Only three California-bred horses have previously won the Kentucky Derby, so the excitement and support for California Chrome is sharply rising for Valley racing enthusiasts.

This year’s Preakness Stakes will mark the second win needed to continue on the journey to become a Triple Crown contender, a feat that hasn’t happened since “Affirmed” won all three races in 1978. Since then, 12 horses have gone on to win the first two races (Kentucky Derby & Preakness) before losing in the Belmont Stakes. Watch as California Chrome races to the finish in an effort to advance to Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 7,  and potentially break the 36 year gap since the last Triple Crown winner.

For the horse racing fan looking for a budget-friendly price to watch and wager live via satellite at the Fresno Fairgrounds’ Starting Gate, admission starts at only $5 for the Grandstand, $10 for the plush VIP Suite and parking is included. All Starting Gate Satellite Wagering guests must be 18 years or older to play. For more information visit www.FresnoFair.com.

Plus, if California Chrome takes the Preakness Stakes and moves on to be a Triple Crown contender, all those who watch and wager from the Starting Gate will have a chance to enter-to-win a free day to come back and enjoy the Belmont Stakes June 7. Those interested must fill out an entry form at The Starting Gate that day for the chance to win free admission for four into the Grandstand & Turf Club during the Belmont Stakes.

For those unable to attend at the fairgrounds, guests can also enjoy the Preakness Stakes at Club One’s Polo Lounge & Event Center. Cost is just $10 per person, which includes admission to the Polo Lounge & Event Center, multiple flat screen TVs and more. Reservations are strongly recommended.  To reserve spots today call (559) 497-3000. All Polo Lounge guests must be 21 or older.

“Watching a Valley-bred horse competing for his second win to become a Triple Crown contender may be once in a lifetime experience,” said John C. Alkire, CEO of The Big Fresno Fair. “We are very excited to host these premier parties this year that enable horse racing enthusiasts to watch and wager live via satellite, experiencing this long-standing tradition and enticing competition, while rooting for our very own California Chrome.”