Preakness Stakes 2027 will be held on Sunday, May 23, at Baltimore’s renovated Pimlico Race Course. The historic change moves the race eight days beyond its traditional date, reports the Baltimore Chronicle.
The decision was announced by Maryland Governor Wes Moore and the Maryland Jockey Club. Details were also published by NBC Sports and the official Preakness website.
When Is the Preakness Stakes 2027?
The 152nd Preakness Stakes will take place on May 23, 2027. It will be the first Sunday running since the event began in 1873.
The revised schedule creates a 22-day gap after the Kentucky Derby. However, only 13 days will separate Preakness from the Belmont Stakes.
| Triple Crown race | 2027 date | Gap before next race |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Derby | May 1 | 22 days |
| Preakness Stakes | May 23 | 13 days |
| Belmont Stakes | June 5 | — |
The tighter Belmont turnaround may force some trainers to choose between the final two races. Modern thoroughbreds usually receive longer recovery periods between major starts.
Why the Preakness Date Is Changing
Maryland racing officials want more Kentucky Derby horses to enter the Preakness. Only 13 of 95 Derby starters since 2022 also contested the Maryland race.
The new program includes several major changes:
- Preakness moves from Saturday to Sunday.
- Black-Eyed Susan Stakes moves from Friday to Saturday.
- Pimlico resumes hosting after the 2026 event at Laurel Park.
- NBC and Peacock retain broadcasting rights through 2032.
Officials believe the extra recovery week reflects modern training methods. It could also strengthen Baltimore’s Memorial Day weekend economy from 2028 onward.
What the Sunday Race Means for the Triple Crown
The change breaks one of American racing’s longest scheduling traditions. No Triple Crown race had previously been staged on Sunday.
It also arrives during wider competition between major racing organizations. A new championship series includes events at Churchill Downs, Belmont Park and Saratoga, but excludes Preakness.
Maryland is therefore protecting the race’s national status while rebuilding Pimlico. The success of the experiment will depend on horse participation, television audiences and attendance.
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