Vault: Preakness through the Years

As the 142nd Preakness approaches this Saturday, Sports Illustrated reflects back on the most memorable imagery from our time covering the distinguished event.

Vault: Preakness through the Years

American Pharoah

Al Tielemans

Victor Espinoza is victorious, as he crosses the finish line aboard American Pharoah (1) after winning the race Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, MD on May 16th, 2015.

Rachel Alexandra

Bill Frakes

Calvin Borel victorious with Woodlawn Vase replica trophy after winning race aboard Rachel Alexandra (13) at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, MD on May 16th, 2009.

2005 Preakness

Simon Bruty

Aerial view from MetLife blimp the start, Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, MD in May 21st, 2005.

Affirmed

Neil Leifer

Steve Cauthen in action aboard Affirmed (6) during Preakness at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, MD on May 20th, 1978.

Afleet Alex

Bill Frakes

Jeremy Rose riding Afleet Alex to victory in the 2005 Preakness Stakes ahead of Scrappy T, left at Pimlico Race Track in Baltimore, MD on May 21st, 2005.

Affirmed vs. Alydar

Jerry Cooke

Steve Cauthen in action aboard Affirmed (6) vs Jorge Velasquez in action aboard Alydar (3) at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, MD on May 20th, 1978.

Affirmed

Neil Leifer

Steve Cauthen victorious aboard Affirmed after winning race at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, MD on May 20th, 1978.

Secretariat

Neil Leifer

Ron Turcotte in action aboard Secretariat (3) during race at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, MD on May 19th, 1973.

1978 Preakness

Neil Leifer

View of painter painitng the silks of jockey Steve Cauthen and Affirmed on the weather vane atop the replica Old Clubhouse cupola in the Winner's Circle at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, MD on May 20th, 1978.

California Chrome vs. Social Inclusion

Simon Bruty

Victor Espinoza aboard California Chrome (3) in action vs Luis Contreras aboard Social Inclusion (8) at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, MD on May 17th, 2014.

Smarty Jones

Bill Frakes

Stewart Elliott in action, winning race aboard Smarty Jones in Baltimore, MD on May 15th, 2004.

1973 Preakness

Jerry Cooke

A vendor sells souvenirs to fans at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, MD on May 19th, 1973.

Dublin

Heinz Kluetmeier

Garrett Gomez in action aboard Dublin (12) during start of race at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, MD on May 15th, 2010.

Shackleford, Animal Kingdom, Astronomy

Bill Frakes

Jesus Castanon aboard Shackleford (5, center, blue hemlet) winning race down the stretch vs John Velazquez aboard Animal Kingdom (11, red helmet, green silks) and Mike Smith aboard Astrology (1, yellow helmet) at Pimlico Race Course on May 21st, 2011.

Silver Charm

John Iacono

Jockey Gary Stevens aboard Sliver Charm #6 in action in Baltimore, MD on May 17th, 1997.

Seattle Slew

Jerry Cooke

View of Seattle Slew #8 in action, leading race with jockey Jean Crugent on May 21st, 1977.

Smarty Jones

Bill Frakes

Stewart Elliott in action, winning race aboard Smarty Jones at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, MD on May 15th, 2004.

Steve Cauthen

Neil Leifer

Steve Cauthen, jockey for Affirmed, is victorious as he holds the Woodlawn Vase, with owners Patrice Wolfson and Louis Wolfson in Winner's Circle after race at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, MD on May 20th, 1978.

Super Saver and Lookin at Lucky

Heinz Kluetmeier

Calvin Borel in action aboard Super Saver (8) vs Martin Garcia atop Lookin at Lucky (7) during start of race at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, MD on May 15th, 2010.

California Chrome

Bill Frakes

Victor Espinoza in action, approaching finish line while winning race aboard California Chrome (3) at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, MD on May 17th, 2014.