Changes to Triple Crown Stir Debate Over Horse Racing’s Future

Maryland officials were preparing to alter the Triple Crown schedule significantly when another major announcement stirred the horse racing community. A new thoroughbred championship series featuring the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes but excluding the Preakness became the focal point of discussions. Mark Anthony Thomas of the Greater Baltimore Committee received concerned messages from many in the business sector.

Thomas identified two main concerns: the potential loss of the Triple Crown’s prestige and the need to ensure its continued importance in horse racing. The Preakness will now be held three weeks and a day after the Kentucky Derby, kicking off a new series of races. This shift raises questions about the Triple Crown’s future.

Opinions vary on the necessity of change. During the 37-year gap between Affirmed’s win in 1978 and American Pharoah’s in 2015, there was debate over the difficulty of winning three races in five weeks. Maryland Jockey Club CEO Bill Knauf emphasized, ‘The Triple Crown is supposed to be hard.’ Justify’s win in 2018 quieted discussions temporarily, but trainers and owners have increasingly bypassed the Preakness after competing in the Kentucky Derby.

A ninth consecutive year without a Triple Crown winner is likely. The Kentucky Derby remains firmly scheduled for the first Saturday in May. The Preakness will occur on Sunday, May 23, while the Belmont is set for Saturday, June 5. The 13-day gap presents a challenging choice for competing horses.

Knauf remarked, ‘We made the decision based on what was best for the Preakness long term.’ The New York Racing Association’s David O’Rourke acknowledged potential discussions on the implications for the sport.

The Belmont has traditionally been held on the first or second Saturday in June, aside from exceptions like 2020 due to the pandemic.

Maryland officials did not participate in discussions about the new championship series, according to Knauf. The series will take place at Churchill Downs, Belmont Park, and Saratoga Race Course.

In April, Churchill Downs, Inc. purchased the Preakness intellectual property for $85 million, with plans to license it to Maryland. Maryland exercised its right to match the offer in June. Thomas noted the industry’s reaction to this transaction.

The Preakness’ exclusion prompted columns labeling the Triple Crown as ‘dead,’ though O’Rourke asserted the new series doesn’t affect the Triple Crown. O’Rourke stated, ‘Each spring, the Triple Crown captures the public imagination and brings people together.’

Governor Wes Moore expressed that holding the property rights validated their decision, rejecting suggestions of retaliation. CDI declined to comment on whether negotiations were impacted.

The future of the Triple Crown remains uncertain. The championship series received support from figures like Bob Baffert and Mike Repole. Baffert expressed openness to new ideas, while Repole emphasized collaboration for the industry’s benefit.

Conversations and potential collaboration could lead to solutions for horse racing’s evolving landscape. ‘We’ll have conversations,’ Knauf said, ‘and see where it all develops.’