Rodman To Receive Special Award of Merit 

May 8, 2025

Dave Rodman in the hallway to the Pimlico press box for Preakness 147. (Maribeth Kalinich)

at Alibi Breakfast 

Presented May 15 During Preakness 150 Week at Pimlico Race Course  

David Joseph/Pimlico

BALTIMORE – Dave Rodman, the popular voice of Maryland Racing and the Preakness Stakes (G1) since 1991, has been named recipient of the Special Award of Merit for his contributions and positive impact on the racing industry.

Rodman will be presented with the Special Award of Merit at the Alibi Breakfast Thursday, May 15 at Pimlico Race Course. Tradition holds that the Alibi Breakfast’s humble beginnings go back to a few trainers sipping coffee on the porch of Pimlico’s old clubhouse in the late 1930s, extolling the virtues of their horses and offering up excuses – or alibis – should their horse not win.

Past recipients of the Special Award of Merit include Hall of Fame trainers D. Wayne Lukas and King Leatherbury, Hall of Fame jockeys Jerry Bailey and Ramon Dominguez, Jim McKay, Chick Lang, and Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and Beyond The Wire.

Dave Rodman in the caller's booth. (TMJC Photo)
Dave Rodman in the caller’s booth at Pimlico. (TMJC Photo)

A native of New Orleans, Rodman worked as a deejay at various radio stations before calling his first race at Jefferson Downs in 1981. Rodman moved to Louisiana Downs in 1985 before becoming the track announcer for the Maryland Jockey Club, calling races at Pimlico, Laurel Park, Timonium and Colonial Downs.

“It’s a great honor to receive this Award of Merit, and to be part of the great tradition of Maryland racing for 35 years, including the 150th Preakness,” Rodman said. “I appreciate the support of Maryland racing fans who come to the track on a regular basis. They love the game as much as I do.”

For additional information and tickets go to: https://www.preakness.com/alibibreakfast

@jonathanstettin  Morning Jonathan, I just read your Piece on its not a Santa Anita thing IT WAS OUTSTANDING. I have been playing horses for 42 yrs since my father 1st brought me to Washington Park. I could not agree with you more. There must be 1 governing board and a commissioner.

Big Boy R @vatsanman View testimonials

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