The 2020 running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico, Maryland has been shifted from its original May 13 date to October 3 as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
There were fears that the time-honoured race may not run at all, however Stronach Group Chairman and President Belinda Stronach and Maryland Governor Larry Hogan made the announcement during NBC’s look back at American Pharoah’s 2015 Preakness Stakes win.
The Preakness is traditionally run two weeks after the Kentucky Derby but that gap will now be extended to four weeks this year as the rescheduled Kentucky Derby has been moved to September 5.
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan announces that the 145th running of the Preakness Stakes is set for October 3 at Pimlico. pic.twitter.com/vQnVLjYXnM
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) May 16, 2020
Furthermore the Preakness’ new date puts it just one month out from the 2020 Breeders’ Cup which is scheduled for November 6-7 at Keeneland.
It comes in light of the New York Racing Association (NYRA) announcing the reopening of its three major tracks as it continues to explore a new date for the Belmont Stakes – the final leg of American Racing’s Triple Crown.
The Preakness is as much about the action on the track as there it is off it, with the infield music festival ‘InfeildFest’ now cancelled due to safety and health measures. The popular DJ Marshmello was set to headline the festival however with no crowds in attendance, the focus is purely on the racing in 2020.
“Under normal circumstances, I would have stood today at Pimlico Racecourse with Ms. Stronach to present the Woodlawn Vase to the winner of the 145th Preakness Stakes,’’ Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said.
“But, as we all know, these are not ordinary circumstances. I am delighted that we were successful in working with 1/ST, the Maryland Jockey Club and all who are connected to Maryland’s Thoroughbred racing industry to set the new date of October 3rd.”
“We all wish we could have been together today to celebrate the Preakness but we stayed home and stayed safe and now we can look forward to Preakness 145 on October 3rd,” said Belinda Stronach, 1/ST Chairman and President.
“I would like to thank Governor Hogan and all of the state and local leaders along with our industry stakeholders, racetrack communities and partners, including our broadcast partner NBC Sports, for the ongoing support and commitment to racing in Maryland.”
Plans for Black-Eyed Susan day, traditionally the day before the Preakness, will be announced at a later date.
