The Preakness Stakes, a historic horse race and a cornerstone of Maryland's cultural identity, has secured its future through a multiyear partnership extension with NBC Sports. This deal, announced by Governor Wes Moore, marks a significant moment in the sport's history, as NBC becomes the longest-running home of the Preakness, broadcasting it for 32 editions from 2001 to 2032. The extension is a testament to the strength of the relationship between the Maryland Jockey Club and NBC Sports, with changes to the race schedule and new features that will enhance the Preakness experience for viewers and participants alike.
One of the most notable changes is the shift of the Preakness Stakes to Sundays on NBC and Peacock, with the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes moving to Saturdays. This move, according to Maryland Jockey Club President Bill Knauf, is designed to create a championship weekend in Baltimore, with the Black-Eyed Susan on Saturday and the Preakness on Sunday. The new schedule also provides additional time for horses to recover between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness, addressing concerns from horse trainers and owners. The move to Sundays is a historic one, as it marks the first time the race will take place on a Sunday since its inception in 1873.
The extension also includes multiplatform rights to the Preakness Stakes and Black-Eyed Susan Stakes, with extensive Preakness weekend programming presented on NBC, Peacock, and NBCSN. This agreement means millions more people will be able to tune in and watch this iconic race weekend, with the Preakness becoming an even bigger part of the Triple Crown. The deal also ensures that Maryland will continue to be a prominent player in the horse racing industry, with the state's recent investments in rebuilding Pimlico Race Course and turning Laurel Park into a year-round training facility.
The future of the Preakness had been in question after Churchill Downs and the New York Racing Association announced a new six-race thoroughbred series that excludes the historic Baltimore race. However, Governor Moore has assured that the Preakness will survive, with Maryland taking control of its future by acquiring the intellectual property rights to the Preakness Stakes. The state's move came after Churchill Downs' attempt to purchase the intellectual property, and it highlights Maryland's commitment to preserving horse racing in the state. The governor emphasized that Marylanders will make the decisions about the Preakness' future, with the state's investments in the industry generating significant economic benefits.
The Preakness is more than just a race; it is a cultural tradition that has been embraced by Maryland and racing fans worldwide. The energy and excitement of the race, as described by trainer Graham Motion, make it a moment every trainer dreams of. The extension of the partnership with NBC Sports will ensure that the Preakness continues to be a significant event in the horse racing world, with the state of Maryland at the forefront of its preservation and growth.
