Preakness makes historic change to race day after horse racing championship series snub

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced changes Wednesday to the Preakness Stakes schedule and an extension of a media partnership that brings it to live TV. 

The changes, announced by Moore at a press conference in Annapolis, aim to strengthen the Preakness program after the event was left out of a new six-race championship series. The $5 million Thoroughbred Championship Series includes the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, but not the Preakness.

The new schedule will push the Preakness Stakes back one week later beginning in 2027. This means the race will be held three weeks after the Kentucky Derby. The race is expected to return to Baltimore's Historic Pimlico Race Course after being held at Laurel Park last May while Pimlico underwent redevelopment.

Gov. Moore said that extra week could attract more horses and more viewers, as Maryland works to protect the future of one of its most iconic events.

"Maryland now owns the rights," Moore said. "Marylanders now own the assets. Marylanders will make the decisions."

In addition, beginning next year with the 152nd Preakness, the event will move to Sundays and air on TV in the late afternoon to early evening on NBC. The change marks the first time the race, which has been contested since 1873, will take place on Sunday.  

In 2027, the Kentucky Derby is scheduled to run on Saturday, May 1, meaning the Preakness Stakes would be held on Sunday, May 23. The Belmont Stakes, the third leg of the Triple Crown, is scheduled for June 5.

"Millions more people will be able to tune in and watch this iconic race weekend," Moore said.

A press release explaining the changes stated that with the Preakness moving to Sunday, "the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes will receive additional weekend exposure."

"By moving the date, you're then providing additional time and space for our horses and the people who compete in the Derby to be able to then now compete to be a part of that Triple Crown," Moore said. "Preakness can and will remain the second jewel of the Triple Crown and nothing will change that."

"It's going to allow us to have greater participation. That is simply the goal," said Bill Knauf, the CEO of the Maryland Jockey Club. "But I think at three weeks it also maintains the test of a champion."

Media deal includes Preakness and Black-Eyed Susan

The media extension "includes multiplatform rights to the Preakness Stakes, Black-Eyed Susan Stakes, and extensive Preakness weekend programming," the release said.

"The continuation of our partnership and the new schedule ensures optimal and accessible coverage for everyone from horseracing experts to casual fans, as our administration makes historic investments to leverage the iconic race as a cornerstone of Maryland's history, culture and economy," Gov. Moore said.

Maryland's First Lady, Dawn Moore, added, "This new schedule honors that extraordinary legacy while opening an exciting new chapter—elevating the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes, bringing even more attention to Maryland on the national stage, and creating new opportunities for local businesses, families, and racing fans." 

The Kentucky Derby will be run on May 1, 2027, while the Belmont Stakes will remain on June 5, 2027, as part of the Thoroughbred Championship Series.

Concern over Maryland's horse racing future

Maryland leaders had questioned horse racing's future in the state following the announcement of the new six-race Thoroughbred Championship Series between Churchill Downs Incorporated and the New York Racing Association.

Race organizers say the competition will create an annual championship for America's leading 3-year-old thoroughbreds.

The championship series also includes the Matt Winn Stakes at Churchill Downs in Louisville in July 2027, followed by the Jim Dandy Stakes and the Travers Stakes at Saratoga Race Course later that summer. The series will conclude with a championship race at Churchill Downs in September, ahead of the Breeders' Cup, which is scheduled to be held at Belmont Park on Long Island in the fall of 2027.

Some Maryland lawmakers worry the new championship series could reduce attendance at the Preakness Stakes and have a financial impact on the race and the state.

"I think it certainly puts it in danger when you have two of the three Triple Crown entities working together on a separate series that the Preakness is not involved in," Maryland Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey told CBS News Baltimore.

The changes are also raising concerns in Park Heights, where the Preakness has long been an economic driver for the surrounding community. Park Heights Renaissance said its board is assessing what the new championship series could mean for the neighborhood.

"Neighborhoods are strongest when those who call them home are at the center of every decision," the nonprofit said in a statement. "Grounded in lived experiences and deep roots in Park Heights, we will continue working alongside our partners to ensure sustained investment, expanded opportunity, and collective impact. Together, we will build a stronger, more vibrant Park Heights where everyone has the opportunity to thrive."