"The grass is still green," Jordan said.
Another difference -- workers didn't encounter any sleeping Preakness patrons. In past years, Jordan said, it wasn't uncommon for the sun to rise on a few people sleeping in the Pimlico infield. Sometimes, they'd be found on the grass or asleep in lawn chairs. Once in a while, workers found them asleep inside portable toilets.
"Nobody was still sleeping out there" this year, Jordan said.
The future of the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore has been cast into doubt in recent years by the struggles of the horse racing industry and, more recently, by the bankruptcy-law filing by Pimlico's owner, Magna Entertainment Corp. Last month, the General Assembly passed emergency legislation authorizing Gov. Martin O'Malley to use eminent domain to seize the Preakness and Pimlico if necessary to protect the state's interests. It remains to be seen if that authority would stand up in bankruptcy court.
Tom Chuckas, president of the Maryland Jockey Club, a subsidiary of Magna that owns and operates Pimlico and Laurel Park, said Sunday that he believes the ban on outside alcohol at the Preakness will have a long-term benefit for one of Maryland's biggest annual sporting events.
"Do I have any regrets? The answer is no," Chuckas said. "Do I intend to reverse the policy? The answer is no. I understand that tradition and culture, and change can be difficult, but I think change is good. I think this will benefit many people and hurt only a few."
Corporate sponsorships were expected to be down about 10 percent, and the track's main merchandise seller - All Pro Championships - reported a 40 percent decline in sales of shirts, hats and other items at its infield locations, according to owner Bob Nettles.
But for the horse racing industry, the money that counts is the handle - the total amount wagered - because a percentage gets redistributed as prize money and a commission for the track owner.
That figure, $86,684,470 for all races run Saturday at Pimlico, was the fifth highest ever for the second jewel of horse racing's Triple Crown.
"I think the increase in wagering will help offset the decreased attendance in the infield," Chuckas said. Though he didn't have final figures on concession revenues, he said he believed they may have increased this year.
Inside
Marquee matchup of Mine That Bird and Rachel Alexandra at Belmont Stakes hinges on the filly's health. Sports, PG 1
