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Attendance Down at Preakness

Thanks a lot, BYOB ban

Monday, May 18, 2009 | Updated 11:00 AM EST

Annnnnd they're off! (By "they," we mean "fans," and by "off," we mean "not there.")

Attendance at this years Preakness Stakes was the lowest in 25 years. Rachel Alexandra held off a late charge from Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird to become the first filly in 85 years to win the Preakness. Yet the crowd size for Saturdays race was down 30 percent. Maryland Jockey Club president Tom Chukas says the drop in attendance was caused, in part, by the decision to ban fans from bringing in their own alcohol.

In the past, the tracks infield was usually crammed with people and a scene of rowdy, drunken behavior. Despite the tamer, smaller crowd, the amount of money bet at the Preakness increased. 86 million dollars was wagered Saturday, 13 million more than the year before.

Patrick Madden reports

Listen to the complete story at wamu.org