Frank Rondel
Preakness Stakes 2027 will take place on Sunday, May 23, at Baltimore’s rebuilt Pimlico Race Course. The shift gives Kentucky Derby runners more recovery time, according to the Baltimore Chronicle.
The change was confirmed by NBC Sports and the Maryland Jockey Club. The official Preakness Stakes website provides continuing updates about the event.
When is the Preakness Stakes 2027?
The 152nd Preakness Stakes is scheduled for May 23, 2027. It will become the race’s first Sunday edition since 1873.
The new calendar creates a 22-day break after the Kentucky Derby. Only 13 days will remain before 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 longer first break could attract more Derby starters. However, the shorter Belmont turnaround may divide trainers’ strategies.
Why is the Preakness date changing?
Maryland officials want the race to match modern training practices. Since 2022, only 13 of 95 Derby starters also entered the Preakness.
The revised Preakness weekend includes several changes:
- Preakness Stakes moves from Saturday to Sunday.
- Black-Eyed Susan Stakes moves from Friday to Saturday.
- Pimlico welcomes the event back after Laurel Park hosted it in 2026.
- NBC and Peacock retain broadcasting rights through 2032.
The Saturday and Sunday broadcasts will create a longer national television window. They also give the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes greater weekend exposure.
What the Sunday race means for the Triple Crown
The change breaks one of American racing’s oldest scheduling customs. No Triple Crown race has previously been held on Sunday.
It also follows the creation of a separate championship series for 3-year-old horses. That competition includes races at Churchill Downs, Belmont Park and Saratoga. The Preakness is not included.
Maryland is therefore repositioning its signature race during Pimlico’s redevelopment. Participation, attendance and television audiences will determine whether the experiment succeeds.
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