Preakness Stakes to Move to Sunday for First Time in History
The Preakness Stakes, a key event in the Triple Crown series, will take place on a Sunday for the first time in its history, specifically on Memorial Day Weekend next year. This change was announced by Maryland governor Wes Moore and the Maryland Jockey Club.
Traditionally held on the third Saturday in May, the shift aims to attract more horses to the race, as many trainers have opted not to enter their horses in the Preakness just two weeks after the Kentucky Derby. In 2025, no horses participated in both events.
The Maryland Jockey Club's CEO, Bill Knauf, expressed optimism that this adjustment will enhance the Preakness and the overall Triple Crown series, which has seen a decline in participation from Derby horses in recent years. In the past five years, only 13 out of 95 Derby participants also raced in the Preakness. The 2027 Preakness Stakes is set to return to the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore after being held at Laurel Park in 2026.
