1. Preakness Stakes
#1 Sports Event
The 141st annual Preakness Stakes horse race, held on May 21, was one for the event's record books. Champion horse Exaggerator’s upset victory capped a record-breaking day at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, where a crowd of 135,256 attended the 14-race program. The previous record was set in 2015, when 131,680 watched American Pharoah win the Preakness on his way to a Triple Crown sweep. In addition, the handle (the total amount of money bet) was $94 million, which eclipsed the 2005 record of $91 million. The event included Budweiser InfieldFest, which showcased musicians and bands, had two stages, and featured the Mug Club—the festival's upgraded experience that gives access to all party areas, with beer and merchandise giveaways included. More than 100 vendors and sponsors participated in the event, which was watched by 9.4 million U.S. viewers on the NBC broadcast. Next: May 20, 2017