The Preakness Stakes will be held on a Sunday for the first time in its history, three weeks and a day after the Kentucky Derby. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and the Maryland Jockey Club announced the shift, which aims to encourage more Kentucky Derby participants to compete in the second leg of the Triple Crown. Historically, the Preakness has been run on the third Saturday in May, two weeks after the Derby, but recent years have seen fewer horses make the jump.

This change, set to take effect starting in 2028 through 2031, moves the Preakness to the Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend. The extended gap between the Derby and the Preakness is intended to accommodate modern training methods and potentially attract more contenders. This adjustment follows speculation and debate within the horse racing community.

The new schedule also includes an extension of the media rights agreement with NBC Sports through 2032, with both the Preakness and the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes airing on NBC and Peacock. This move coincides with a significant investment in the reconstruction of Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, expected to be completed by spring 2028.