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Louisville's Churchill Downs has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the Preakness Stakes after its 2026 running.
The second leg of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing is being purchased for a price of $85 million. Churchill Downs will also acquire the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes, a race for three-year-old fillies traditionally conducted at the Pimlico Race Course the day before Preakness.
“This acquisition adds one of the most iconic brands in American sports to our portfolio and is consistent with our strategy of investing in premier Thoroughbred racing assets with long-term growth potential,” Bill Carstanjen, chief executive officer of Churchill Downs Incorporated, said in a news release. “
Churchill Downs has not yet commented on what the purchase means for the race's future location. For those not up to speed on the Preakness, here's a refresher.
Preakness Stakes:Churchill Downs to acquire Preakness Stakes for $85 million
The Preakness Stakes, which first ran in 1873, is the second leg of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing. The race follows the Kentucky Derby and is typically held on the third Saturday of May at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.
The 151st Preakness Stakes is slated for Saturday, May 16.
The Preakness Stakes typically takes place at the Pimlico Race Course. The 2026 race, however, is being held at Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland, due to construction at Pimlico.
The Preakness Stakes is the shortest of the three races, with a distance of 1 3/16 miles or about 9.5 furlongs.
The location for the 2027 Preakness Stakes is currently unknown. Churchill Downs declined further comment April 21, saying it would have more to add during an earnings call scheduled for April 23.
The Triple Crown refers to the three biggest horse racing events for thoroughbreds: the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. If a horse wins all three races in the same year, it has won the Triple Crown.
Justify was the last Triple Crown winner in 2018.
A total of 13 horses have won the Triple Crown title. Here's a look at the previous winners:
Reach Marina Johnson at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Churchill Downs buys Preakness Stakes, second Triple Crown race, for $85 million
Continue reading...
The second leg of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing is being purchased for a price of $85 million. Churchill Downs will also acquire the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes, a race for three-year-old fillies traditionally conducted at the Pimlico Race Course the day before Preakness.
“This acquisition adds one of the most iconic brands in American sports to our portfolio and is consistent with our strategy of investing in premier Thoroughbred racing assets with long-term growth potential,” Bill Carstanjen, chief executive officer of Churchill Downs Incorporated, said in a news release. “
Churchill Downs has not yet commented on what the purchase means for the race's future location. For those not up to speed on the Preakness, here's a refresher.
Preakness Stakes:Churchill Downs to acquire Preakness Stakes for $85 million
What is the Preakness Stakes?
The Preakness Stakes, which first ran in 1873, is the second leg of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing. The race follows the Kentucky Derby and is typically held on the third Saturday of May at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.
When is the 2026 Preakness Stakes?
The 151st Preakness Stakes is slated for Saturday, May 16.
Where does the Preakness Stakes take place?
The Preakness Stakes typically takes place at the Pimlico Race Course. The 2026 race, however, is being held at Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland, due to construction at Pimlico.
How far is the Preakness Stakes race?
The Preakness Stakes is the shortest of the three races, with a distance of 1 3/16 miles or about 9.5 furlongs.
Where will the 2027 Preakness Stakes take place? Will it be at Churchill Downs?
The location for the 2027 Preakness Stakes is currently unknown. Churchill Downs declined further comment April 21, saying it would have more to add during an earnings call scheduled for April 23.
What is the Triple Crown?
The Triple Crown refers to the three biggest horse racing events for thoroughbreds: the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. If a horse wins all three races in the same year, it has won the Triple Crown.
Justify was the last Triple Crown winner in 2018.
How many horses have won the Triple Crown? See winners
A total of 13 horses have won the Triple Crown title. Here's a look at the previous winners:
- Sir Barton (1919)
- Gallant Fox (1930)
- Omaha (1935)
- War Admiral (1937)
- Whirlaway (1941)
- Count Fleet (1943)
- Assault (1946)
- Citation (1948)
- Secretariat (1973)
- Seattle Slew (1977)
- Affirmed (1978)
- American Pharoah (2015)
- Justify (2018)
2026 Triple Crown schedule
- Kentucky Derby: Saturday, May 2
- Preakness Stakes: Saturday, May 16
- Belmont Stakes: Saturday, June 6
Distances of Triple Crown races
- Kentucky Derby: 1 1/4 miles
- Preakness Stakes: 1 3/16 miles
- Belmont Stakes:1 1/2 miles
Reach Marina Johnson at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Churchill Downs buys Preakness Stakes, second Triple Crown race, for $85 million
Continue reading...
