If you were looking for the Preakness 2025 date, you probably already know that May 17, 2025, was one for the history books. It wasn't just another Saturday in Baltimore. It was the 150th running—the sesquicentennial—and the final time we’ll see horses thunder down the stretch at the "old" Pimlico for quite a while.
Honestly, the atmosphere was electric and a little bit sad.
People think the Triple Crown is just about the Kentucky Derby, but the Preakness is where the real grit shows up. Two weeks after Churchill Downs, the horses are tired, the trainers are stressed, and the Baltimore crowd is... well, they’re loud. If you missed the live action, you missed a hell of a show. Journalism, ridden by Umberto Rispoli and trained by Michael W. McCarthy, took the win in a finish that had people jumping out of their seats.
The Preakness 2025 Date and Why It Matters
The Preakness 2025 date fell on Saturday, May 17. That’s the traditional third Saturday in May. It always follows the Derby by exactly fourteen days. This year, though, the date carried way more weight than usual because of the massive $400 million redevelopment project hanging over the track.
Pimlico is old. Like, "second-oldest racetrack in the country" old.
Walking around the grounds on May 17, you could feel that "Old Hilltop" vibe one last time. The leaky pipes, the weird staircases, and the legendary infield were all part of the charm. But as soon as the race ended and the Black-Eyed Susans were draped over Journalism, the countdown to demolition officially started.
What happened to the Triple Crown dream?
Every year, fans hope for a Triple Crown winner. In 2025, the dream died early. Sovereignty, the horse that won the Kentucky Derby, didn't even run in the Preakness. It’s a trend we’re seeing more often—trainers skipping the middle jewel to rest their horses for the Belmont.
Some people hate it. They say it ruins the spirit of the Triple Crown. Others, like the connections of Journalism, aren't complaining. They took home the lion's share of that $2 million purse.
Where is the Preakness moving next?
Here is the part that’s confusing a lot of people: the race is moving.
Since the Preakness 2025 date has passed, the Maryland Stadium Authority is moving fast. They aren't just painting the walls; they are tearing the whole place down.
- 2026: The race moves to Laurel Park.
- 2027: The race is supposed to return to a brand-new Pimlico.
If you’re planning a trip for next year, don't book a hotel next to Pimlico. You’ll be a long way from the action. Laurel Park is a different beast entirely—it’s more modern but lacks that deep Baltimore history. It’s going to be a weird year for racing purists.
Behind the Scenes of the 150th Running
The payout for the Preakness 2025 date was actually pretty decent if you weren't betting on the heavy favorites. Journalism went off at 8-5, but the exacta with Gosger (a 20-1 longshot) paid out $16.90 for a buck. Not life-changing, but enough to cover your crab cakes and a few Black-Eyed Susan cocktails.
The weather was fast. The dirt was dry.
Umberto Rispoli timed his move perfectly. He sat back, let the speed horses tire themselves out, and then fired Journalism through a gap that barely looked big enough for a pony, let alone a Grade I athlete.
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Why the Park Heights community is watching
This isn't just about gambling or fancy hats. The redevelopment of Pimlico is a massive deal for the Park Heights neighborhood. For decades, the track was this island of wealth that only woke up once a year. Now, the state is promising that 10% of the profits will go back into the local community.
Residents like Fergus Allison, who has lived there since the 70s, told local news they'll believe it when they see it. It’s hard to blame them. We've heard "redevelopment" stories before. But with $400 million in bonds already authorized, the bulldozers are actually on-site now.
Actionable Tips for Future Preakness Fans
If you're looking ahead because you missed the Preakness 2025 date, you need to change your strategy for 2026 and 2027.
- Check the venue: Remember, 2026 is at Laurel Park. The seating chart will be completely different. There won't even be an "infield" crowd in the way we’re used to.
- Book early: Baltimore hotels fill up six months in advance for the Preakness. For the Laurel Park move, look at hotels in the Arundel Mills area or even near BWI airport.
- Watch the Black-Eyed Susan: Don't just show up for the Saturday race. The Friday race (Black-Eyed Susan Stakes) is often better for betting because the fields are more wide-open.
- Join the waitlist: The official Preakness website already has a pre-sale list for 2027. That’s going to be the "Grand Opening" of the new track, and tickets will probably sell out in minutes.
The 150th Preakness Stakes was the end of an era. It was gritty, loud, and quintessentially Baltimore. While the sport is changing and the buildings are coming down, the race itself remains the hardest two minutes in sports for a three-year-old horse.
You should head over to the Maryland Stadium Authority website to see the digital mock-ups of what the new track will look like. It's a far cry from the "Old Hilltop" we knew on May 17, but it might be exactly what Maryland racing needs to survive another 150 years.