2011 Preakness Stakes: A Look at the Stakes’ Latest PR Campaign, Kegasus

Kegasus, the Half-man Half-horse, Looks to Bring Young Crowd Into Preakness

The Preakness Stakes, perhaps unbeknownst to those who casually watch horse racing, has been going through financial troubles. By financial troubles, I mean the owners of the track have filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, and are looking for a way to bounce back.

Enter Kegasus, who will be bringing people into the infield of the Pimlico Race Course this coming Saturday for InfieldFEST, which is hoping to have, along with the race itself, far greater attendance than it's had the last two years.

Tom Chuckas, president of the Maryland Jockey Club, who is organizing the Preakness, said it best when asked about the half-man, half-horse: "We want to reach out to the younger demographic, and we knew the elegance and grandeur of the Preakness would not necessarily attract them."

It's obvious that the young crowd likes parties, and this would certainly set itself up opposite the Kentucky Derby in that regards. Instead of a mint julep, you have a pint, and you have more live entertainment alongside that.

I like the idea for the reasons above, and more importantly, it should help them with their bankruptcy issues. If the Kentucky Derby can get a 150,000 crowd without a problem, then the Preakness should be able to manage 100,000.