Maryland Governor Reaffirms Commitment to Keep Preakness Stakes Amid New Triple Crown Series Plans
Governor Wes Moore said Maryland will retain ownership of the Preakness Stakes despite a forthcoming six-race series that excludes the Baltimore event, and expressed openness to cooperate with Churchill Downs.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore told a crowd at Baltimore’s National Night Out that the state intends to keep the Preakness Stakes under its control after Churchill Downs and the New York Racing Association announced a new six-race series beginning in 2027 that does not feature the historic race. The series will include the Kentucky Derby on May 1, the Belmont Stakes in June, three additional races and a championship event in September.
Moore emphasized the Preakness’s role in the Triple Crown, saying, > "Let's be clear, not only is the Triple Crown going to continue, there is no Triple Crown without Preakness, and if you want to win the Triple Crown, we'll see you in Baltimore next year."
He referenced Maryland’s recent $85 million bid to secure the Preakness rights after Churchill Downs reportedly sought to purchase them, adding that the investment aims to benefit both the track and surrounding communities.
When asked about potential collaboration with Churchill Downs, Moore said Maryland is open to working together but stressed that the state must retain ownership, stating, > "Maryland's hands need to be the hands that own Preakness, no one else's."
Industry observers note that trainers and owners have sometimes skipped the Preakness in recent years to allow more recovery time between the Derby and the Belmont.