The 145th Preakness Stakes has been rescheduled for early October at Pimlico Racetrack.

On Saturday, May 16, the day the 145th Preakness Stakes would have taken place, the governor of Maryland announced the new date in a special appearance on NBC Sports. Governor Larry Hogan, accompanied by Chairman and President of The Stronach Group, Belinda Stronach, announced the race will now take place on Saturday, October 3, 2020. 

“Under normal circumstances, I would have stood today at Pimlico Race Course with Ms. Stronach to present the Woodlawn Vase to the winner of the 145th Preakness Stakes. But, as we all know, these are not ordinary circumstances,” said Hogan. “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 3.” 

Governor Larry Hogan and First Lady Yumi Hogan at the Preakness Stakes, May 18, 2019, courtesy Office of the Governor.

The Preakness Stakes is usually the second race in the Triple Crown, following the Kentucky Derby and ahead of the Belmont Stakes. So far, the Kentucky Derby has been rescheduled for September 5, with Belmont still trying to find a date. The Infield Fest for 2020 still remains canceled, and plans to have any fans in the stands are still on hold due to the pandemic.

Pimlico partnered with the State of Maryland to construct the first drive-through testing center in the state. 

The Stronach Group also held a special broadcast on Facebook Live called "1st Preakness at Home" to celebrate the race and the significant role it plays in Maryland's history. The show featured racing celebrities like Bob Baffert, Doug O’Neil, and Mike Smith doing chores around the house and members of the Atlas Group preparing classic Preakness dishes like steamed crabs and Black-eyed Susan cocktails. You can watch the entire show on the Preakness Facebook page.