The future of the Preakness Stakes has come into question after Churchill Downs and the New York Racing Association announced a new six-race thoroughbred series set to begin in 2027, which does not include the historic Baltimore race. Wes Moore, speaking at Baltimore’s National Night Out, addressed the announcement and underscored the importance of the Preakness Stakes to the Triple Crown. READ: Maryland Jockey Club announces changes to 2027 Preakness Week“Let’s be clear, not only is the Triple Crown going to continue, there is no Triple Crown without Preakness, and if you want to win the Triple Crown, we’ll see you in Baltimore next year,” Moore said. The governor also highlighted Maryland’s recent $85 million bid to secure the rights to the Preakness Stakes, a move made after Churchill Downs attempted to purchase them. When asked about working with Churchill Downs, Moore said Maryland is open to collaboration but firmly stated, “Maryland’s hands need to be the hands that own Preakness, no one else’s.”