The dirt has finally settled on the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes, and man, it was one for the history books. If you were looking for the Preakness 2025 date and time, you missed a wild ride on Saturday, May 17, 2025. The gates for the main event crashed open at exactly 7:01 p.m. EDT. It wasn't just another horse race; it was the end of an era for Baltimore.
Pimlico Race Course looked different this year. There was this heavy sense of "last call" in the air. Why? Because right after the trophy was handed out, the wrecking balls were scheduled to move in. This $400 million redevelopment project isn't just a face-lift. It’s a total ground-up rebuild.
Why the Preakness 2025 Date and Time Mattered So Much
Most casual fans just tune in for the two minutes of running. But this year, the schedule was tight. NBC started their coverage at 4:00 p.m. ET, though the "hardcore" fans were already glued to Peacock and CNBC at 2:00 p.m. to catch the undercard.
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The winner, Journalism, basically saved the weekend. Ridden by Umberto Rispoli and trained by Michael McCarthy, this colt had a lot to prove after a disappointing run in the Kentucky Derby. He didn't just win; he surged. It was a classic "bounce back" performance that reminds you why we love this sport. The final time was clocked at 1:55.47.
Honestly, the energy was different because the Triple Crown hope was already dead. Sovereignty, the Derby winner, skipped the race. Bill Mott, the trainer, decided the horse needed rest. It’s a trend that bugs some traditionalists, but it's the reality of modern racing.
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The Breakdown of Race Day
If you were there in person, you know the morning was a marathon.
- First Post: 10:30 a.m.
- Black-Eyed Susan Day: Friday, May 16 (won by Princess Aliyah)
- The Main Event Post Time: 7:01 p.m.
The weather held up. The track was fast. But what really caught people off guard was the runner-up, Gosger, at 20-1 odds. He nearly pulled off the upset of the century, losing by just a half-length. If you had a couple of bucks on him to place, you walked away happy.
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What Happens to the Preakness Now?
This is where things get kinda weird for the next year or two. Since Pimlico is currently being demolished (demolition started in July 2025), the Preakness is going on a little road trip.
In 2026, the race is moving to Laurel Park. It’s only temporary, but it’s going to feel strange not being at "Old Hilltop." The plan is to return to a brand-new, state-of-the-art Pimlico in 2027. This 2025 race was the "final" one in the historic facility as we knew it.
Actionable Next Steps for Racing Fans
Even though the 2025 race is in the rearview mirror, the Triple Crown cycle never really stops. Here is how you should prep for the transition:
- Watch the Replay: If you missed the stretch run, search for the NBC Sports broadcast of Journalism's win. The tactical move by Rispoli at the top of the lane was a masterclass.
- Track the 2026 Shift: Keep an eye on Laurel Park’s ticketing site. Since it’s a smaller venue than the old Pimlico, tickets for the 2026 Preakness are expected to sell out significantly faster.
- Follow the Build: The Maryland Stadium Authority is posting updates on the Pimlico rebuild. If you care about the history of the sport, seeing how they preserve the old clubhouse cupola is worth a follow.
The Preakness 2025 date and time marked the 150th anniversary, a huge milestone. We won't see another race at Pimlico for at least two years, making that Saturday in May a permanent piece of Maryland lore.