The Preakness Stakes is making a historic move in 2027, shifting one week later on the calendar and landing on a Sunday for the first time since 1873. Yeah, you read that right, a *Sunday*. This isn’t just a small tweak, folks; it’s a massive calendar shake-up for the second leg of the Triple Crown, coming after years of talk and speculation. Greg Ng of WBAL-TV dropped the news Wednesday, and it’s already got the horse racing world buzzing.
The New Rhythm of the Crown
Starting in 2027, the 152nd edition of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course will be set for Sunday, May 23. This fresh date pushes it eight days past its traditional third Saturday in May slot, creating a crucial three-week buffer between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness. For all you Triple Crown fanatics, here’s what your 2027 calendar will look like: the Kentucky Derby kicks off on May 1, followed by the Preakness on May 23, and then the Belmont Stakes wraps things up on June 5. Bill Knauf, the Maryland Jockey Club president and general manager, didn’t hold back, calling it a “historic announcement.” He’s convinced this move will position “the Preakness and the entire Triple Crown series… for growth and great success.” And honestly, after seeing the buzz already, he might be onto something big.
Why This Gap Matters So Much
So, why the big fuss over an extra week? It’s all about getting more top-tier horses into these legendary races. Trainers and owners have been on the fence about running their champs in the Preakness lately, mostly because they want to give their horses more rest between the brutal Kentucky Derby and the grueling Belmont. We saw this play out this past year when Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo totally skipped the Preakness, completely gutting any chance at a Triple Crown winner. That’s a huge letdown for fans, right? Knauf hit it on the head, saying this extra week “opens the Preakness to potential participants who use modern training methods.” Their goal is crystal clear: “preserve the tradition of horses running back in the Preakness and to enhance participation in the Triple Crown races.”
This whole move also comes on the heels of some serious drama, where the future of the Triple Crown itself was questioned. Churchill Downs Inc. and the New York Racing Association teamed up for a brand-new six-race series next year, dangling a $5 million bonus. But guess what? The Preakness wasn’t invited to that party. Legendary trainer Bob Baffert spoke up, stressing on social media that “the greatest achievement in racing will always be winning the Triple Crown” and reminding everyone just how important the Preakness is to the sport’s deep history. This new date isn’t just a scheduling change; it’s a statement.
With the Preakness now strategically placed later in May, hopefully, we’ll see deeper, more competitive fields lining up for that second leg. This could be exactly what the Triple Crown needs to maintain its legendary status and keep us all glued to our screens, watching history unfold. It’s an exciting time, and I can’t wait to see those gates open on May 23, 2027.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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