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.

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 announce 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 150^th 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.”