There's a funny double-standard regarding the Preakness infield party and public drunkenness. A few years ago, when the celebrating was going full-throttle and the infield was teeming with intoxicated revelers, the spectacle was deemed unacceptable by the Maryland Jockey Club. Drastic measures were taken to reshape the Preakness' image.

But now that they have a "classy" marketing icon in Kegasus, it's OK for the infield imbibers to come back and party until they drop.

Baltimore has once again done its level best to blaspheme what used to be a classy jewel in horse racing's Triple Crown.

To the Maryland Jockey Club, I say: You are the most hypocritical lot. The lure of potential revenue will prompt otherwise rational people to make really despicable decisions.

Patrick R. Lynch, Nottingham