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Black-Eyed Susan Day Kicks Off At Pimlico

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- It's ladies day at Pimlico, Black-Eyed Susan Day. Over the years, it has become quite a celebration.

As Gigi Barnett explains, it is one of the oldest stakes at Pimlico. It's a chance for ladies to continue the tradition or create a new one of their own.

It's the excitement of cheering on a horse in the stakes.

"I love it. It's so exhilarating. I did my first bet. Didn't win. But that doesn't mean I won't try again," said Brittney Frampton.

Here, real men stick to the color scheme and wear pink.

"It's been years in the works. We've kind of added pieces each year and kind of, the outfits have evolved. I promise you tomorrow's are much, much better than today's," said Tory Leggio.

This is what Black-Eyed Susan Day at Pimlico is all about. It's the day before the Preakness and fillies are featured in the races.

"You can feel the thunder of their hooves and just to see the strength of a horse. It's just amazing," said Peggy Barry.

"My mom said, 'Find a pink hat and come on,'" said Shannon Green.

For the Green family, the day is about continuing an old family tradition and they've got weekend passes, too.

"Other family members will be sitting here tomorrow enjoying their day," said Green.

Even the drinks, Black-Eyed Susans, are pink and all of the events support breast cancer awareness and celebrate survivors like Susan Berwind.

"It was like we have to go. We're going to get hats. We're all going to dress up. So, that was our big motivation to come," said Berwind's friend Monica Mitchell.

And for the first time ever, an infield concert will take place on Black-Eyed Susan Day. Usually that kind of concert is reserved for Preakness Day, but this year is different.

The People's Pink Party will kick off Friday night beginning with the Goo Goo Dolls.

Fiftyshadesofhay won the stakes.

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