Preakness Date Announcement to Set Triple Crown Schedule

The date for the 152nd Preakness Stakes will be announced on Wednesday by Governor Wes Moore and the Maryland Jockey Club during a news conference in Annapolis. This announcement comes after years of speculation regarding a potential change in the scheduling of the second leg of horse racing's Triple Crown.

Traditionally held on the third Saturday in May since 1950, the Preakness has only deviated from this schedule once, in 2020 due to the pandemic. Recent trends show that many owners and trainers are choosing to skip the Preakness, as the two-week gap between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness is considered too short for modern thoroughbreds. Notably, Golden Tempo is the latest Derby winner to miss the Preakness, marking the second consecutive year this has occurred.

Next year, the Belmont Stakes will remain on its usual date of June 5, which may continue to complicate the Triple Crown's condensed schedule. The Preakness is expected to return to Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, following a temporary relocation to Laurel Park, with renovations at Pimlico projected to be completed by spring 2028.