Preakness set for May 23, 2027, 22 days after Derby

In a historic shift for American horse racing, the Preakness Stakes will move to a later date and a Sunday for the first time in 2027. Officials announced the second leg of the Triple Crown will be run on May 23 at Baltimore's Pimlico Race Course, creating a 22-day gap after the Kentucky Derby. The change, which also moves the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes for fillies to the preceding Saturday, is designed to attract more horses to compete in all three classic races.

The adjustment addresses a longstanding trend where many Kentucky Derby participants skip the Preakness to rest. Over the past five years, 82 of the 95 Derby horses did not run in the Baltimore race. Bill Knauf, president and general manager of the Maryland Jockey Club, stated the extra week opens the Preakness to potential participants who use modern training methods. He emphasized the goal is to preserve the tradition of horses running back in the Preakness and to enhance participation in the Triple Crown races.

The announcement follows the recent creation of a new six-race series, the Thoroughbred Championship Series, by Churchill Downs Inc. and the New York Racing Association. That series, which offers a substantial...