Preakness Prep: Black-Eyed Susan Day Great Lead-In For Main Event

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- It was a record-breaking day at Pimlico ahead of the 142nd Preakness Stakes.

The week has been full of excitement, including Friday's 93rd annual Black-Eyed Susan Day.

It was a record breaking day on Friday, from attendance, to the amount of betting.

The day was full of fun and fashion, and of course, it's all just setting the stage for the Preakness Stakes.

It was a preview of what's to come as the energy builds this Preakness weekend.

The Black-Eyed Susan Day was full of everything you'd come to expect, and maybe a little more during this ultimate girls day out.

From fashion, to changing weather.

"My hat survived the rain which is awesome," said one person in attendance.

And of course, the horse racing, which is a Baltimore tradition for many.

"We've done this for a couple of years and it's just great to have Pimlico in our backyards and be able to experience a wonderful day of racing," said another in attendance.

Black-Eyed Susan Day is also important as it celebrates women's health by raising money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

While there's been no shortage of thrills during Black-Eyed Susan Day, despite the somewhat uncooperative weather, the excitement is definitely building for the Preakness.

"Preakness is Baltimore. The Preakness is Pimlico."

Many are hopeful this year yields another Triple Crown winner.

The answer will come soon enough as the day begins at Pimlico Race Course.

Gates open Saturday at 8 a.m. It's going to be a busy day full of music, food, and yes, lots of horse racing.

Click here for more information on events and information on the Preakness.

Follow @CBSBaltimore on Twitter and like WJZ-TV | CBS Baltimore on Facebook