Prominent leaders in business, culture and politics to experience Japanese hospitality, cuisine and culture in exclusive setting at storied race

BALTIMORE, 04-05-13— The Maryland Jockey Club (MJC) today announced the selection of Japan as the Host Nation of the 2013 International Pavilion at the Preakness Stakes.  With this designation, the Embassy of Japan and Ambassador Kenichiro Sasae will serve as Honorary Hosts welcoming distinguished guests and dignitaries to historic Pimlico Race Course for the annual running of the Preakness Stakes.  

“In just three years, the International Pavilion has become the premier destination at Pimlico on Preakness Day and we are delighted to partner with the Embassy of Japan and Ambassador Sasae in bringing the international community to the annual running of the Preakness,” said Tom Chuckas, Maryland Jockey Club president.

Building on the success of the 2010, 2011 and 2012 International Pavilions, hosted respectively by the Embassy of Spain and Ambassador Dezcallar, Embassy of Mexico and Ambassador Sarukhan and Embassy of Denmark and Ambassador Taksoe-Jensen, the 2013 International Pavilion will showcase the cultural richness, traditions and cuisine of Japan in a setting truly fitting for the “Sport of Kings”. 

“I am proud and excited about this opportunity for Japan to showcase our country, our culture and our business strengths at this year’s Preakness Stakes. Japan has a very long and distinguished tradition in Thoroughbred racing and we are honored to be a part of such a historic piece of the American sports fabric,” stated Ambassador Sasae. 

About the International Pavilion

The International Pavilion is an “invitation only” hospitality destination catering to prominent leaders in business, culture and politics. Each year a different country is selected to serve as the Host Nation of the International Pavilion, with its respective Ambassador serving as Honorary Host.  As such, the chosen embassy is accorded the opportunity to promote its culture, cuisine and business in a relaxed environment that encourages cooperation and conviviality.

The Preakness Stakes will take place on Saturday, May 18th, 2013 at Pimlico Race Course located in Baltimore, Maryland.

About the Preakness Stakes

The annual running of the Preakness is an American institution. First contested in 1873, it is one of thoroughbred horse racing's most valued Grade 1 stakes races. Now one of the largest single-day sporting events in the United States, "The People's Race...The People's Party" has hosted up to 121,309 for the pivotal middle jewel of thoroughbred racing's Triple Crown. The 138th running will takes place at historic Pimlico Race Course on Saturday, May 18. For more information on Pimlico, visit www.preakness.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.