Preakness Stakes Date to Move to Fourth Sunday of May

Key Points:

• The 2027 Preakness Stakes will be held on Sunday, May 23, moving eight days later than its traditional third Saturday in May date, with the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes shifted to Saturday, May 22, to enhance Baltimore's weeklong festivities.
• This change increases the gap between the Kentucky Derby and Preakness from 14 to 22 days, while the Belmont Stakes will follow just 13 days after the Preakness, potentially impacting Triple Crown participation strategies.
• The Maryland Jockey Club, now a not-for-profit organization, aims to attract more Kentucky Derby runners, especially winners, back to the Preakness, countering recent trends of Derby winners skipping the race.
• The Maryland Jockey Club has renewed its media rights deal with NBC Sports through 2032, ensuring continued broadcast coverage and promoting Baltimore as a premier racing destination, especially during Memorial Day weekends.
• Despite the new scheduling and efforts to boost participation, challenges remain due to the newly announced six-race series by Churchill Downs Inc. and NYRA, which excludes the Preakness, and the compressed timing between the Preakness and Belmont Stakes.