Preakness Stakes 2020 rescheduled for October 3

By May 16, 2020, 5:58 PM EDT
Preakness Stakes 2020 preview
AP Photo
0 Comments

The 2020 Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course in Maryland has been postponed from Saturday, May 16 to Saturday, October 3 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Stronach Group Chairman and President Belinda Stronach and Maryland Governor Larry Hogan made the announcement during NBC’s look back at American Pharoah’s 2015 Preakness Stakes win.

Traditionally, the Preakness comes two weeks after the Kentucky Derby, but that gap grows to four weeks this year, with the rescheduled Kentucky Derby running on September 5. The Preakness’ later date puts it just one month out from the 2020 Breeders’ Cup, which is scheduled for November 6-7 at Keeneland.

The New York Racing Association (NYRA) is exploring a new date for the Belmont Stakes, the final Triple Crown race, as well. On May 16, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo gave the green light for horse racing to resume across the state, starting June 1.

“As the coronavirus pandemic continues to upend American life, decisions about large-scale public events must prioritize public health and safety above all else,” the NYRA said in a March statement. “NYRA will deliver an announcement only when that process has concluded to the satisfaction of state and local health departments. The Belmont Stakes is a New York institution with wide-reaching economic impact. We look forward to its 152nd edition in 2020.”

The order of the Triple Crown races used to vary before 1931.

This year’s InfieldFest, which happens during and in the middle of the Preakness, was canceled. Musician and DJ Marshmello was set to headline.

Tracks around the country are beginning to reopen as states slowly lift restrictions.

Arabian Knight off Kentucky Derby trail; will return later

Associated PressMar 13, 2023, 12:09 PM EDT
Matt Stone/Courier Journal/USA TODAY NETWORK
0 Comments

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Arabian Knight is off the Kentucky Derby trail.

Wagering has been suspended on the 3-year-old colt for the Derby’s future wager after owner Amr Zedan announced the decision. Arabian Knight was the second choice on the morning line behind favorite Forte for the May 6 race.

“Trainer Tim Yakteen wasn’t happy with his last work & we feel it’s in Arabian Knight’s best interest not to rush & allow him more time to develop,” Zedan tweeted. “We know he’s a superior talent & our plan is to point him toward a summer and fall campaign.”

Purchased for $2.3 million as a 2-year-old, Arabian Knight won his debut by 7 1/4 lengths at Keeneland last November. He made his 3-year-old debut in the Southwest at Oaklawn in January and won by 5 1/2 lengths.

Arabian Knight had his third workout at Santa Anita.

Tapit Trice wins Tampa Bay Derby, earns Kentucky Derby points

Associated PressMar 12, 2023, 11:28 AM EDT
Getty Images
0 Comments

TAMPA, Fla. — Tapit Trice rallied from last to win the $360,000 Tampa Bay Derby by two lengths and earn qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby.

Ridden by Luis Saez, Tapit Trice ran 1 1/16 miles 1:43.37. The 1-2 favorite in the field of 12 paid $3 to win. The 3-year-old colt earned 50 qualifying points, which places him in the 20-horse field for the Kentucky Derby on May 6.

Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher extended his record for most wins in the Grade 3 race to six. He already has the early Kentucky Derby favorite in Forte, who won the Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream last weekend.

Classic Car Wash was second and Classic Legacy was another 1 1/4 lengths back in third.

Tapit Trice was making his stakes debut after winning two of three starts.

“Once he got clear down the lane, he really extended himself,” Pletcher said. ”I loved the way he finished up. He relished the two turns, and the longer he goes, the better he’ll get.”