New Preakness 2020 date to be announced live on NBC
On Saturday, the traditional date for the postponed Preakness Stakes, NBC will re-air Triple Crown winner American Pharoah's 2015 victory at Pimlico. But it won't be a total throwback broadcast with an announcement forthcoming regarding when the 2020 Preakness will run.
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and The Stronach Group Chairman and President Belinda Stronach will announce the new date for the Maryland classic -- postponed amid the COVID-19 pandemic -- during a 5 p.m. ET broadcast.
Most recently, a Baltimore TV station noted that NBC had reserved TV time on Oct. 3 for the Preakness. A source also told the Associated Press dates in July and August were under consideration.
Whether the Preakness precedes or follows the Sept. 5 Kentucky Derby, then, remains to be seen.
NBC will similarly show American Pharoah's Belmont Stakes victory on June 6. The New York Racing Association which, as with the Maryland Jockey Club is not currently racing, hasn't rescheduled the traditional third jewel of the Triple Crown series either.
As for Saturday's Preakness show, NBC will look back at a running in which, minutes before the race, a deluge turned the track sloppy but didn't hinder the future champion American Pharoah. The race featured other Derby board hitters Firing Line and Dortmund, but nobody came within seven lengths of Pharoah at Pimlico.
Additionally this weekend, NBC Sports Network will simulcast TVG's Trackside Live starting at 4 p.m. ET Friday and 6 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday.