The Preakness Stakes will now take place three weeks and one day after the Kentucky Derby, marking the first time in the history of the Triple Crown that the race will be held on a Sunday. Maryland Governor Wes Moore and the Maryland Jockey Club revealed the change on Wednesday, ending more than a century of tradition as previous Triple Crown races have never been run on a Sunday.
Since 1950 (except during the pandemic year of 2020), the Preakness has traditionally been held on the third Saturday in May, exactly two weeks after the Kentucky Derby. Maryland Jockey Club CEO Bill Knauf acknowledged the event’s longstanding tradition but emphasized the need for change, citing evolving training methods and trends in the sport. He explained that extending the gap to three weeks still presents a significant challenge for horses aiming to become champions.
The primary goal of this adjustment is to encourage more Kentucky Derby participants to enter the Preakness, a trend that has diminished in recent years. In fact, two straight Derby winners and three of the last five have skipped the Preakness to focus on the Belmont Stakes. Of 95 horses running in the Derby since 2022, only 13 (13.7%) have competed in the Preakness, including just one winner.
Governor Moore highlighted that the schedule shift allows more preparation time, aiming to secure the participation of Kentucky Derby winners in the second leg of the Triple Crown. However, this change could create a tougher decision for trainers and owners, as the gap between the Preakness and Belmont will shrink to just 13 days next year, potentially forcing them to choose between the two races.
Knauf stated the decision was made with the long-term future of the Preakness in mind. Legendary trainer Bob Baffert, who has won the Triple Crown twice with American Pharoah and Justify, affirmed on social media that he plans to keep entering the Preakness with Derby horses when appropriate, despite a new championship series of races that currently excludes the Preakness.
The new schedule will place the Preakness on Memorial Day Sunday beginning in 2028 through 2031, which Knauf believes will boost Baltimore’s local economy and elevate the city as a premier racing destination during that holiday weekend. The change also accompanies a media rights extension with NBC Sports through 2032, ensuring the Preakness and the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes for fillies will continue airing on NBC and Peacock for the next six years.
NBC Sports executive Jon Miller noted the network had proposed pushing the Preakness back by at least a week a decade ago, but previous owners were hesitant. He added that holding the races on a Saturday and Sunday aims to create a festive weekend atmosphere rather than a single-day event amid the Triple Crown.
This scheduling shift coincides with the Preakness’s return to Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore after a one-time relocation to Laurel Park. The race will take place amid a $500 million renovation project at Pimlico, which is expected to be fully completed by spring 2028, although next year’s event will have limited attendance.
Mark Anthony Thomas, president and CEO of the Greater Baltimore Committee, expressed strong support for the state’s investment in the reconstruction, reflecting widespread enthusiasm among local business leaders.
Fan Take: This change matters because it could revive the excitement around the Triple Crown by encouraging more Derby winners to compete in the Preakness, potentially leading to more thrilling contests. For horse racing fans, this new schedule offers hope for preserving the sport’s rich traditions while adapting to the modern demands of trainers and horses.
Source: www.espn.com
