Preakness Stakes to be Run on Sunday for First Time in Over 150 Years

Baltimore, MD, August 5, 2026 —

BALTIMORE, MD – The Preakness Stakes, a cornerstone of American thoroughbred racing, is set to make a historic shift, being scheduled for a Sunday for the first time in its more than 150-year history. The prestigious race will take place on Sunday, May 23, 2027.

This significant alteration in the racing calendar also impacts the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes, which will now be run on the preceding Saturday. This marks a notable change from the traditional scheduling of these events.

The move comes as Maryland has secured ownership of the intellectual property rights for both the Preakness Stakes and the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes. This acquisition of rights by the state signifies a new chapter for these long-standing racing traditions.

Furthermore, these scheduling adjustments are occurring concurrently with a substantial modernization project underway at Pimlico Race Course, the historic home of the Preakness Stakes. Details regarding the scope and timeline of the modernization project were not immediately available.

The decision to move the Preakness Stakes to a Sunday is a departure from its established role as the second jewel in the Triple Crown, typically held on a Saturday in May. The implications of this scheduling change for the Triple Crown series and the broader racing landscape are yet to be fully determined.

Information regarding the specific reasons behind the decision to move the race day, beyond the acquisition of intellectual property rights and the ongoing construction, was not provided. The exact date for the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes has been confirmed as Saturday, May 22, 2027, with the Preakness Stakes following on Sunday, May 23, 2027.

Story summarized from the original created by Marcus Dieterle on baltimorefishbowl.com, see more information here.

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