Triple Crown schedule changes announced, Preakness moved to late May
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 5, 2026, 10:30 PM
Last updated Aug 5, 2026
Churchill Downs Inc. and the New York Racing Association revealed significant changes to the Triple Crown calendar. The Preakness Stakes will now take place three weeks and one day after the Kentucky Derby, moving to the fourth Sunday in May, typically coinciding with Memorial Day weekend. This decision aims to attract more Derby entrants, following a trend where over 85% of Derby participants skipped the Preakness in recent years. The adjustments will also introduce a new Thoroughbred Championship Series with a $5-million bonus pool for horses competing in at least four races. Opinions among industry figures vary, with some expressing concern about the traditions being altered while others welcome the innovations intended to improve horse participation.
- •Preakness moved to the fourth Sunday in May for 2026 and beyond.
- •Changes introduced a new Thoroughbred Championship Series with a points system.
- •Over 85% of Derby entrants skipped the Preakness in past five years.
- •Industry leaders express mixed feelings on altering Triple Crown traditions.
- •The new series includes the Kentucky Derby and Belmont on traditional dates.
- 1:14 PMYahoo Sports — Big changes in horse racing create new questions about the future of the Triple Crown
- 8:30 PMYahoo Sports — Triple Crown faces a major calendar shake-up that may either hurt or preserve the races
"The Preakness Stakes is moving to three weeks and a day after the Kentucky Derby, while a new Thoroughbred Championship Series was announced.
"The Preakness is moving back to three weeks and a day after the Derby, which will lead off a brand new series of races.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 8, 2026, 1:14 PMBig changes in horse racing create new questions about the future of the Triple Crown
The Preakness is moving back to three weeks and a day after the Derby, which will lead off a brand new series of races.
- Yahoo SportsAug 5, 2026, 8:30 PMTriple Crown faces a major calendar shake-up that may either hurt or preserve the races
The Preakness Stakes is moving to three weeks and a day after the Kentucky Derby, while a new Thoroughbred Championship Series was announced.
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