Preakness Stakes Moves to Sunday in Bid to Attract More Kentucky Derby Competitors
The Preakness Stakes, a major horse race in Baltimore, will move to a Sunday, three weeks and a day after the Kentucky Derby. This change aims to encourage more horses that compete in the Derby to also run in the…
Baltimore, MD, August 5, 2026 —
The Preakness Stakes, a cornerstone event in American horse racing, is set to move its race day to Sunday, beginning this year. The shift positions the second jewel of the Triple Crown three weeks and one day after the Kentucky Derby.
This strategic calendar adjustment is intended to incentivize more horses that compete in the Kentucky Derby to also participate in the Preakness Stakes. Organizers hope the altered schedule will provide a more appealing timeline for owners and trainers, potentially increasing the field size and competitiveness of the Baltimore-based race.
The Preakness Stakes will continue to be run at its historic home, Pimlico Race Course, located in Baltimore, Maryland. The venue is slated for significant reconstruction as part of ongoing efforts to modernize and improve the facilities.
The exact date of the Preakness Stakes this year will be three weeks and a day after the conclusion of the Kentucky Derby. Further details regarding the specific date and associated events are expected to be announced.
Story summarized from the original created by WTOP Staff on wtop.com, see more information here.