Preakness Stakes Moves to Sunday in 2027 Amid Broadcasting Rights and Triple Crown Split

The Preakness Stakes will break from more than a century of tradition by shifting its race day to Sunday starting in 2027. Maryland Governor Wes Moore and the Maryland Jockey Club announced the schedule change on Wednesday, confirming that the 152nd running of the event is set for Sunday, May 23. The move comes alongside a new multi-year broadcasting agreement with Comcast Corporation, keeping the race on NBC and Peacock.

This strategic scheduling adjustment places the race eight days after its traditional Saturday slot and three weeks following the Kentucky Derby. Organizers stated that the additional time is intended to encourage more horses to compete in the Triple Crown series. The race will also take place at a renovated Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.

The announcement follows a significant fracture within the horse racing industry. Churchill Downs Incorporated and the New York Racing Association recently revealed a new “Thoroughbred Championship Series” for 2027 that notably excludes the Preakness. This six-race series begins with the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, followed by summer events at Churchill Downs and Saratoga, concluding with a September championship.

Earlier this year, Churchill Downs Incorporated agreed to acquire the intellectual property rights to the Preakness for $85 million. However, Maryland exercised its right of first refusal in late July, matching the $85 million offer to ensure the state retains ownership of the race’s branding. Despite the loss of the IP rights, Churchill Downs Incorporated retains media rights for its own series events, while the Preakness remains a standalone property on the NBC slate.

In afternoon trading, Churchill Downs Incorporated shares were up 2.06% to $87.11. Comcast Corporation, the parent company of NBC, was down 0.55% to $24.57.

What to watch

• The debut of the Thoroughbred Championship Series in 2027 and its impact on viewership and horse participation.
• Completion of the planned renovations to Pimlico Race Course.
• Future media rights negotiations for the newly formatted Preakness Stakes.

Source: original release