Preakness future in limbo as championship series skips Pimlico
Preakness Stakes future in limbo as new championship series skips Pimlico in Baltimore
11 News Investigates Executive Producer
BALTIMORE —
A new horseracing championship proposal could leave the future of the Preakness Stakes in limbo.
Churchill Downs and the New York Racing Association have announced the creation of the six-race “Thoroughbred Championship Series” to start next year.
The series would start with the Kentucky Derby on May 1 and jump to the Belmont in New York. It would also include four more races with the championship race back at Churchill Downs in September.
The schedule doesn’t include a race at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.
It wasn’t immediately clear how the Preakness and Pimlico might be impacted by this new racing series.
WBAL-TV 11 News reached out to the governor’s office and Maryland jockey officials for comment. This report will be updated.
Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey, R-District 36, released a statement, saying, in part: “It’s unfortunate for Maryland that ideology got in the way of a practical solution. There was a private-sector path that would have kept the Preakness in Maryland while allowing experienced racing organizations to continue investing in and promoting the sport. Instead, the governor chose government ownership, leaving taxpayers with the financial responsibility while others continue shaping the future of Thoroughbred racing.”
11 TV Hill video below: Maryland secures rights to Preakness
The Preakness has long stood as the middle jewel of the Triple Crown.
One of the biggest names in horse racing, Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, responded to the announcement, writing, in part: “The Preakness is integral to racing’s history, present and future, and I hope nothing detracts from its significance. If I have the right horse, I’ll continue to run in Baltimore every May, as well as in the thoroughbred series.”
In recent years, horse trainers and owners have been reluctant to run their horses in the Preakness because they wanted to give their horses more time to rest between the Derby and the Belmont.
Churchill Downs sought to buy the intellectual rights to the Preakness; however, the state of Maryland stepped in and matched Churchill’s $85 million offer. The state now owns the rights.
