A replica of this vase is given to the winning owner of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course. Considered one of the most valuable trophies in sports, the trophy has its roots at the Woodlawn Race Course - a 19th century race track near Louisville, KY. This is text from a Kentucky Historical Marker near the former site of the track: Opened in 1859 and drew national attention. Closed after Civil War. R. A. Alexander, noted breeder, was major figure in buying estate for National Racing Association. He contracted with Tiffany's to design Woodlawn Vase; used in 1861 and 1862. It was buried for safety during war. Vase is now winner's trophy at the Preakness Stakes, where a replica is given each year. The Preakness Stakes is a classic 1 3/16 mile (1. ... Pimlico Race Course is a horse racetrack in Baltimore, Maryland, most famous for hosting the Preakness Stakes. ... For other places with the same name, see Louisville (disambiguation). ... A civil war is a war in which the competing parties are segments of the same country or empire. ...