Significant Changes to the Triple Crown and Implications for Horse Racing

Two days before Maryland officials were scheduled to announce significant changes to the Triple Crown, discussions around a new thoroughbred championship series became a focal point. This series will feature the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, but exclude the Preakness. Concern quickly spread through the business community, with Mark Anthony Thomas of the Greater Baltimore Committee receiving worried messages.

“There was immediate concern on two parts,” Thomas noted. “One, does this mean the Triple Crown loses its luster? And then second is, how do we fortify the Triple Crown to where it retains its prominence within horse racing?”

The Preakness is shifting to a date three weeks and a day after the Derby. This adjustment prompts new questions regarding the traditional Triple Crown format. Industry insiders have varying perspectives on whether the classic format was problematic. Some argue the 37-year gap between Affirmed’s 1978 victory and American Pharoah’s win in 2015 reflected the challenge inherent to the series.

Maryland Jockey Club CEO Bill Knauf commented, “The Triple Crown is supposed to be hard, and it’s not meant to be easy.” Horse trainer Justify’s win in 2018 temporarily quieted the discussion about difficulty.

Nevertheless, recent years have seen more trainers and owners bypass the Preakness post-Derby in favor of preparing for the Belmont. Two consecutive Derby champions and three of the last five have elected this strategy.

Impact of Preakness Timing on the Triple Crown

With the Preakness now set for Sunday, May 23, and the Thoroughbred Championship Series announcement revealing the Belmont race on Saturday, June 5, the challenge of completing the Triple Crown is heightened. Participants face tight timelines with the Belmont’s increased mileage.

“We made the decision upon what we felt was the best move for the Preakness long term,” said Knauf.

New York Racing Association President David O’Rourke acknowledged the uncertainty and potential for ongoing conversations.

The Belmont’s historic scheduling has mostly adhered to the first or second Saturday in June. The adjustment suggests potential rescheduling to accommodate a comprehensive Triple Crown.

Exclusion of Preakness from New Championship Series

Knauf clarified that Maryland was not involved in discussions with NYRA or Churchill Downs Inc. The new series spans Churchill Downs, Belmont Park, and Saratoga Race Course.

Business dealings around the Preakness IP may factor into recent developments. In April, Churchill Downs, Inc. acquired Preakness intellectual property from 1/ST Racing for $85 million, planning annual licensing to Maryland. The state exercised its option to retain control.

Thomas remarked, “I don’t know if I even realized what the IP acquisition would mean for the industry as a whole as far as the earthquake that would come of that.”

Governor Wes Moore of Maryland emphasized the decision to maintain property rights validated their strategic approach.

Repole endorsed collaboration to address industry challenges, while Knauf acknowledged potential changes ahead.

Prominent figures like Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert advocate for innovative approaches, highlighting the importance of the Preakness in the sport’s heritage.

As stakeholders dialogue, the future configuration of the Triple Crown remains uncertain, with potential for the Preakness to integrate into the new championship series.