Derby Winner Skips Preakness, Triple Crown Debate Intensifies

The Preakness Stakes, the second leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown, is facing ongoing challenges as the Kentucky Derby winner has frequently opted out due to the tight two-week turnaround between races, a trend exemplified by Sovereignty's withdrawal this year. This scheduling strain has reignited debates within the horse racing community about whether the traditional Triple Crown calendar needs to be adjusted, with proposals including extending the time between races or changing their order to better suit modern training and breeding practices. The Preakness is also marking its 150th running amid significant changes, as Pimlico Race Course, its historic home, is set for demolition and reconstruction, with the race moving temporarily to Laurel Park. The situation reflects a broader tension between maintaining the tradition of the Triple Crown's difficulty and adapting to the realities of contemporary horse training, where longer recovery times are preferred. Prominent figures in racing acknowledge the complexity of the issue, balancing the prestige of the Triple Crown's challenge against evolving standards in the sport. These developments suggest the sport may need to evolve its calendar to preserve the possibility of future Triple Crown winners.