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Maryland Shifts Preakness to 2027 Sunday, Plans $400 M Revamp

8/8/2026

48 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced the Preakness will move to Sunday, May 23, 2027, three weeks after the Kentucky Derby.
Maryland Jockey Club matched an $85 million offer for the Preakness and Black-Eyed Susan rights and will spend $400 million to redevelop Pimlico.
Bill Knauf said the longer gap could attract more Derby winners, leaving only 13 days before the Belmont Stakes.

History

Historical Context

The Preakness Stakes began in 1873 at Pimlico, named for the colt Preakness, and has been run on the third Saturday in May since the 1932 Triple Crown order. In 2005 it attracted 125,687 fans on May 21, confirming the Saturday slot, and in August 2026 Governor Wes Moore announced the 2027 race will shift to the fourth Sunday in May—the first Triple Crown race on a Sunday.

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Story summary

Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced the Preakness will move to Sunday, May 23, 2027, three weeks after the Kentucky Derby.
Maryland Jockey Club matched an $85 million offer for the Preakness and Black-Eyed Susan rights and will spend $400 million to redevelop Pimlico.
Bill Knauf said the longer gap could attract more Derby winners, leaving only 13 days before the Belmont Stakes.

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