BALTIMORE, 05-10-13---Sue Steel has been named 2013 Ms. Preakness Pink Warrior for the 138^th Preakness Stakes. Ms. Preakness Pink Warrior serves as the official Preakness ambassador at all events leading up to and including the middle jewel of racing’s Triple Crown. 

Pimlico Race Course and the Maryland affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the world’s largest breast cancer organization, have developed a partnership to raise funds to aid awareness and research that will take place on Black-Eyed Susan Day, Friday, May 17. Seventy-five percent of the net funds raised will go to the Komen Maryland Affiliate to use for community outreach programs in Maryland and 25% will be used for life-saving breast cancer research.

The original Miss Preakness contest was refashioned in 2010 to honor breast cancer survivors and individuals who have made a difference in the lives of those fighting breast cancer. The name Ms. Preakness Pink Warrior is in recognition of Candy Coburn’s popular song, “Pink Warrior”.

Steel, who lives in Eldersburg, Md., is a 16-year breast cancer survivor.The 49-year-old was first diagnosed in 1997, only days before her mother succumbed to the disease. Six days after her mother’s funeral, Steel was admitted to the hospital for a double mastectomy and has endured 15 additional surgeries. During her initial recovery she decided to do something meaningful so that her daughter would not have to face this disease.

“My goal is to show other young women that they can survive this disease and go on to lead a healthy, active life,” Steel said. “Early detection is key.”

Ms. Preakness Pink Warrior will represent the Maryland Jockey Club at official Preakness events throughout the week, including the post position draw on Wednesday, May 15, the Alibi Breakfast the following morning and at a prominent place on the storied cupola for the presentation of the Woodlawn Vase following next Saturday’s Preakness.    

In recognition of Komen’s signature shade, Pimlico will be awash in pink on Black-Eyed Susan Day. The color pink will brand the day, with horses and pony riders on the track who will be sporting pink saddle towels, featuring the unity logo representing both partners. Valets and starters will be decked in pink gear and festive linens, flowers and banners will blanket Pimlico. For the first time, the Pimlico starting gate will also be pink for the day.

About Pimlico Race Course

Historic Pimlico Race Course, home of the Preakness® Stakes, the middle jewel in horse racing's famed Triple Crown, first opened its doors on October 25, 1870, and is the second oldest racetrack in the United States. Pimlico has played host to racing icons and Baltimoreans have seen the likes of legendary horses such as Man o’ War, Seabiscuit, Secretariat, Affirmed and Cigar thunder down the stretch in thrilling and memorable competition. For more information on Pimlico, visit www.pimlico.com.

Pimlico Race Course is a Stronach Group company, North America’s leading Thoroughbred racetrack owner/operator. The Stronach Group racetracks include Santa Anita Park, Gulfstream Park & Casino, Golden Gate Fields, Portland Meadows, Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course, home of the world-famous Preakness. The company owns and operates the Palm Meadows Training Center in Florida and is one of North America's top race horse breeders through its award-winning Adena Springs operation. The Stronach Group is one of the world's largest suppliers of pari-mutuel wagering systems, technologies and services. Its companies include AmTote, a global leader in wagering technology; Xpressbet, an Internet and telephone account wagering service; and Monarch Content Management, which acts as a simulcast purchase and sales agent of horseracing content for numerous North American racetracks and wagering outlets. The Stronach Group is also a major producer of televised horse racing programming through its HRTV cable and satellite network and is North America's premier supplier of virtual online horse racing games, as well as a leading producer of social media content for the horseracing industry.