The Maryland Jockey Club announced major scheduling changes for the 2027 Preakness Stakes, including a move to the fourth weekend in May.
The 152nd Preakness Stakes will be held at Pimlico Race Course on Sunday, May 23, eight days later than its traditional date on the third Saturday in May. The Black-Eyed Susan Stakes card will move from Friday to Saturday, May 22, creating a two-day championship racing weekend in Baltimore.
“Moving the Preakness to the fourth weekend in May is a historic announcement,” said Bill Knauf, President and General Manager of the Maryland Jockey Club. “We believe the Preakness and the entire Triple Crown series are positioned for growth and great success. This extra week between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness opens the Preakness to potential participants who use modern training methods.”
The change gives horses three weeks between the Kentucky Derby and Preakness rather than the traditional two-week turnaround. The Preakness Stakes program will conclude the weekend’s festivities on Sunday.
The announcement comes during the same week Churchill Downs Incorporated and the New York Racing Association unveiled the Thoroughbred Championship Series, a new six-race competition for 3-year-olds beginning in 2027. The series includes the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, Matt Winn Stakes, Jim Dandy Stakes, Travers Stakes and a new championship race at Churchill Downs—but notably excludes the Preakness.
Together, the developments create even more uncertainty surrounding the future of the Triple Crown. The new Preakness date breaks from the traditional two-week turnaround following the Kentucky Derby, while the Churchill Downs-NYRA series gives owners and trainers a lucrative alternative path that bypasses Baltimore entirely.
“Our focus is to preserve the tradition of horses running back in the Preakness and to enhance participation in the Triple Crown races. We acknowledge the great history of the traditional Triple Crown spacing between races, but recognize that change must always be examined. This is common in all professional sports. Now is the time for the Preakness. We are going to build a championship weekend in Baltimore, with the Black-Eyed Susan now on Saturday. In most years, this new date falls on Memorial Day weekend, and we believe this creates tremendous excitement for our local economy and businesses. Baltimore will become the place to be on Memorial Day weekends, as the spotlight of the racing world descends on Pimlico.”
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NBC Sports Extends Preakness Partnership
The Maryland Jockey Club also renewed its media rights agreement with NBC Sports, ensuring the Preakness will continue to air on NBC and Peacock through 2032.
The extension includes multiplatform coverage of the Preakness Stakes, Black-Eyed Susan Stakes and additional programming throughout the weekend on NBC, Peacock and NBCSN.
“We have successfully secured the future of Preakness here in the state of Maryland for decades to come; and I am delighted that the Maryland Jockey Club has renewed its media partnership with NBC and Peacock as we enter this exciting new era,” said Gov. Wes Moore. “The continuation of this relationship and the new schedule ensures optimal and accessible coverage for everyone from horse racing experts to casual fans, as our administration continues making historic investments and leveraging the iconic race as a cornerstone of Maryland’s history, culture and economy.”
NBC Sports has served as the media home of the Preakness since 2001. The extended agreement will make NBC the longest-standing broadcaster in the race’s history.
“We are excited to continue our relationship as the media home of the Preakness Stakes, and look forward to an enhanced schedule, showcasing Maryland’s best races on both Saturday and Sunday,” said Jon Miller, President, Acquisitions & Partnerships, NBC Sports. “This extension is a testament to the strength of the relationship between the Maryland Jockey Club and NBC Sports and underscores our commitment to horse racing.”
Trainers Emphasize the Preakness’ Importance
First run in 1873, the Preakness remains the second jewel of the Triple Crown and one of Maryland’s most recognizable sporting traditions.
“Bringing the Derby winner to the Preakness is unlike anything else in racing,” said trainer Graham Motion. “I was lucky enough to experience it with Animal Kingdom. The energy is incredible, and it feels like the whole crowd is behind you. It’s a moment every trainer dreams of.”
Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert also addressed the importance of the race and the Triple Crown in a Monday post on X.
“The greatest achievement in racing will always be winning the Triple Crown – The Kentucky Derby, The Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes. The Triple Crown has sustained our sport for more than 150 years, and it will continue to do so for another 150 years or more if we appreciate and care for it. The Preakness is integral to racing’s history, present, and future, and I hope nothing detracts from its significance.”
