Finally, someone had the courage to call the ads for the Preakness just what they really are … "an embarrassment." I'm referring to Kevin Cowherd's "Get Your Preak On': From sport of kings to royal embarrassment," May 10.

After hearing another one of these objectionable "Preak On" ads over the weekend, I thought: Just how low will the Maryland Jockey Club, and others, go to earn a buck? How sad that this ad represents not only Baltimore, but all of Maryland. The only word I can think of is DEGRADING!

These are ads they wouldn't even want their children to hear. It's no wonder the horse racing is hurting, they have no direction … and this isn't helping. Shame on those who thought this would be "cool."

Ray Johnston, Pasadena