Maryland officials are poised to make significant changes to the Triple Crown series in horse racing. However, the focus has shifted to a new thoroughbred championship series that includes the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, but excludes the Preakness. This announcement stirred concerns among the business community, including Mark Anthony Thomas of the Greater Baltimore Committee.

There was immediate concern on two fronts, Thomas stated. The first concern is whether the Triple Crown will lose its prestigious status. The second revolves around strategies to ensure that the Triple Crown retains its importance in horse racing.

The timing of the Preakness is shifting to three weeks and a day after the Kentucky Derby. This alteration prompts new questions regarding the Triple Crown’s future. The differing opinions within the industry highlight debates about the challenges posed by the Triple Crown format.

“The Triple Crown is supposed to be hard, and it’s not meant to be easy,”

Bill Knauf, CEO of Maryland Jockey Club, noted. The 37-year wait for a Triple Crown winner between Affirmed in 1978 and American Pharoah in 2015 demonstrated the difficulty for modern 3-year-old horses in winning all three races over a five-week span.

American Pharoah’s victory in 2015, followed by Justify in 2018, temporarily eased the debate. Yet, recent years have seen increasing instances of Kentucky Derby winners opting to skip the Preakness and focus on the Belmont Stakes instead.

The immediate effect of the changes means 2027 will likely be another year without a Triple Crown winner. The Kentucky Derby maintains its historic position on the first Saturday in May. The Preakness, now scheduled for Sunday, May 23, complicates matters with the Belmont slated for Saturday, June 5. This positioning creates a strenuous challenge for horses competing in both the Belmont and Preakness.

Bill Knauf expressed focus on the long-term benefits for the Preakness, emphasizing that decisions are made with the event’s best interests in mind.

David O’Rourke, President and CEO of New York Racing Association, refrained from speculating on potential outcomes but acknowledged that any changes would warrant discussions about their impact on horse racing.

The Belmont’s traditional timing in early June has been stable for nearly a century, with exceptions during the 2020 pandemic. To make room for horses aiming for all three races, a timing adjustment might be considered in the future.

“Obviously it’s in Belmont’s court now to determine what is best for their race,”

Knauf remarked, leaving decisions to the Belmont administration.

The Preakness’s absence from the new championship series raised eyebrows. Maryland officials, as Knauf pointed out, were not involved in negotiations between NYRA and Churchill Downs Inc.

Deals in the business sphere seem to play a significant role. In April, Churchill Downs, Inc. acquired Preakness intellectual property for $85 million, planning to license it annually to Maryland. The state opted to retain control of this asset.

Thomas conveyed uncertainty about the transaction’s implications but highlighted the significance of the decision.

“In no way does this touch the Triple Crown,”

O’Rourke reassured. The series aims to enhance the stature of the Triple Crown rather than diminish its relevance.

Governor Wes Moore commented during a news conference, conveying confidence in Maryland’s choice to preserve its rights.

Despite the situation, CDI opted not to comment on negotiation influences. Prominent industry figures, including Bob Baffert and Mike Repole, offered support for new ideas promoting growth and interest in horse racing.

Baffert stated, I am in favor of any and all new ideas to grow racing and increase interest in our sport. Repole echoed sentiments about collaboration being key to progress in horse racing.

The changes in horse racing require continued dialogue and cooperation. Future considerations might include integrating Preakness into the new series or adjusting Belmont’s timing.

Knauf concluded, We’ll have conversations and see where it all develops down the road.