Preakness

Big floppy hats, flowing dresses, cigars, drinks and the sound of hooves quickly stomping to the finish line..
This weekend Harry and I got to experience our first time at the Preakness in Baltimore, Maryland. We've been to Saratoga, NY before to watch the horse races, but this was a lot bigger! Not much of a horse race better myself and neither is Harry, but his dad is BIG TIME into it and loves it! We both just go along for the fun of enjoying family, friends, and the atmosphere. Needless to say no one in our group won any kind of money, except for Harry's cousin winning $30.00. {hey better than nothing I guess}

The older adults hung out in the grandstands to continue watching the races, while myself, Harry, our 2 friends from college, sister-in-law, her boyfriend and our cousin Joe all decided to go to the infield. The infield had 2 huge stages- one with Florida Georgia Line and the other had Macklemore.

     {I really wanted to stay for Pitbull, but that was later in the night and you had to pay for tickets to see that..oh well. }



All around the stages were vendors for food and alcoholic drinks, many alcoholic drinks. Apparently the official drink of Preakness 2013 was the Black-eyed Susan:
 

Black-Eyed Susan Recipe

1.25 oz Finlandia Vodka

0.25 oz St. Germain Liqueur

2 oz Lemon Juice

3 oz Lemongrass & Blackberry simple Syrup

6 drops of Angostura Bitters

Garnish with one sage leaf

..... let me tell you it was NOT very good. I actually had to throw it out and I hate to waste food or drinks, but it was terrible. There are a few different ways to make this drink- above is the recipe I found they used at the races. 

After 4 hours of walking around and having a good time the final race was about to start. We all rushed back to our seats and BANG the horses are off! Nothing is more exciting then the final race. 

Screaming our heads off for the number 6 horse to cross the finish line first, going neck and neck with two other horses...#6 finally breaks free and crosses the finish line as NUMBER 1!!

Fun time :)

{Harry and I before the race}