Preakness Stakes moves to one week later and to a Sunday
The Preakness Stakes will be run one week later than its traditional date beginning in 2027, with Maryland officials and The Maryland Jockey Club announcing a new Memorial Day weekend schedule aimed at attracting more Kentucky Derby runners while expanding the race’s television reach.
Under the revised calendar, the second leg of the Triple Crown will be staged three weeks after the Kentucky Derby rather than the customary two, and it will be run on a Sunday.
No Triple Crown race has ever been run on a Sunday in the century-plus-old history of the series.
The Black-Eyed Susan Stakes will also move from its traditional Friday slot to Saturday, creating a two-day showcase around Preakness weekend at Pimlico Race Course.
Maryland Jockey Club President and General Manager Bill Knauf said the additional week reflects modern training practices while preserving the challenge and prestige of the Triple Crown.
“We recognise the great history of this race, but we also recognise that change should be examined,” Knauf said. “Moving the Preakness one week later is going to allow us greater participation, and that is simply the goal.”
The announcement comes shortly after Churchill Downs Incorporated and the New York Racing Association unveiled a new three-year-old championship series that does not include the Preakness.
Knauf said Maryland remains committed to strengthening the Triple Crown, describing it as a cornerstone of American racing.
