BALTIMORE, 11-14-14---The Maryland Jockey Club today announced the selection of Canada as the host nation for the 2015 International Pavilion at the Preakness Stakes (G1) on May 16, 2015.

“We are honored to have the Embassy of Canada as partners for this landmark event. Through a showcase of Canada’s heritage, culture and business strengths, we are confident that our guests will come away from Preakness day with a renewed appreciation of the special relationship that we share with our neighbors to the north”, said Maryland Jockey Club president Tom Chuckas.

Introduced in 2010, The International Pavilion has partnered with the Embassies of Spain, Mexico, Denmark, Japan and Peru with each providing a unique race day experience showcasing their culture, cuisine and business development opportunities. The 2015 International Pavilion will build on this successful formula by celebrating Canada’s long-standing and close relationship with the United States in a setting that fosters a special sense of camaraderie and cooperation.

“The Embassy of Canada is honored to be a part of this premier international event,” said Embassy spokesperson Christine Constantin. “As a friend, neighbor, partner and ally of the United States we look forward to highlighting our unique relationship with the U.S. and the State of Maryland.”
 

About the International Pavilion
The International Pavilion is an “invitation only” destination catering to prominent leaders in business, culture and diplomacy. Each year, a different country is selected to serve as the Honorary Host Nation, with its respective Ambassador in attendance to welcome guests. Each year's designated embassy is accorded the opportunity to promote its culture and business in a unique environment that is relaxed, engaging and entertaining. The introduction of the International Pavilion at The Preakness Stakes in 2010 provided the historic "Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown" a new legacy and tradition that welcomes diplomats, dignitaries and international business leaders from around the globe. For more information about the International Pavilion, please visit www.international-pavilion.com.

About The Preakness Stakes
The 140th running of The Preakness Stakes will take place on Saturday, May 16, 2015 at Pimlico Race Course located in Baltimore, Maryland.  The annual running of The Preakness Stakes is an American institution. First contested in 1873, The Preakness Stakes is the "Middle Jewel" of Horse Racing's Triple Crown and one of Thoroughbred horseracing's most important Grade 1 stakes races. With Grammy Award winning artists performing at the renowned Preakness InfieldFest, "The People's Race...The People's Party" is recognized as one of the largest single-day sporting and social events in the United States. In 2014, The Preakness Stakes witnessed its largest audience in history with 123,469 in attendance. For more information on The Preakness Stakes and Pimlico Race Course please visit www.preakness.com  and www.pimlico.com.