In the days leading up to a historic shift in the Triple Crown series in horse racing, a new championship series was announced. It features the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes but excludes the Preakness. This announcement sparked concern within the business community. Mark Anthony Thomas of the Greater Baltimore Committee received worried messages. He shared, “There was immediate concern on two parts: the potential loss of prestige for the Triple Crown and ways to maintain its importance in horse racing.”
The timing of the Preakness has moved to three weeks and a day after the Derby. This change raises questions about the future of the Triple Crown. Industry insiders have varying opinions on what needed fixing. During the decades-long gap between Affirmed’s win in 1978 and American Pharoah’s in 2015, many debated the difficulty level for modern 3-year-olds competing in three races over five weeks.
“One trainer told me that the Triple Crown is meant to be hard,” said Maryland Jockey Club CEO Bill Knauf. “The greatest horses are those that can win all three.”
The success of Justify in 2018 quelled discussions for a while. However, recent trends show trainers and owners often skipping the Preakness after the Derby. In fact, two consecutive Derby champions and three in the last five years bypassed the middle leg in favor of the Belmont.
The change in the Preakness schedule almost guarantees no Triple Crown winner by 2027. The Derby remains a pivotal event held on the first Saturday in May. This year, the Preakness is set for May 23, and the Belmont for June 5. The short 13-day gap between the Preakness and Belmont underlines the challenge for even the most skilled 3-year-olds.
Knauf explained that decisions were based on what was best for the Preakness long term. New York Racing Association CEO David O’Rourke stated that discussions would occur if the Preakness timing changes. The Belmont, traditionally held in early June, might need rescheduling to allow participation in all three races.
The absence of the Preakness from the new series has raised questions. Maryland officials were not part of the talks between NYRA and Churchill Downs Inc. The series will take place at various tracks, excluding any in Maryland. Notably, the sale of Preakness intellectual property to Churchill Downs by 1/ST Racing for $85 million, followed by Maryland’s move to retain it, stirred further discussion.
This development led some to speculate on implications for the industry. Yet, Gov. Wes Moore of Maryland believes the decision to retain IP rights was justified. Moore commented, “It validated why we made that decision… to hold on to our destiny.”
Neither Churchill Downs Inc. nor NYRA has commented on negotiations. The series gained support from key figures like Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert and owner Mike Repole. Baffert praised the Triple Crown’s virtues, while Repole emphasized collaboration as crucial for industry growth.
Future potential solutions might include incorporating the Preakness into the series or adjusting Belmont’s timing. “We’ll have conversations,” Knauf stated, “and see where it all develops.”