Black History Month offers an important opportunity to reflect on the contributions of Black Americans whose impact has shaped industries across the nation, including horse racing. While modern racing often lacks visible diversity, Black horsemen were foundational to the sport’s early success. One of the most influential among them was Ed Brown, a formerly enslaved man who became one of the leading trainers of the 19th century.

When the gates fly open each May at Pimlico Race Course, racing fans celebrate more than just the Preakness Stakes — they honor a legacy rooted in the vision of one man: Oden Bowie. As governor and a sportsman, Bowie recognized the potential for Maryland to become a national leader in Thoroughbred racing.