Triple Crown deadline pushed with Preakness, Belmont dates pending
The late Triple Crown nomination deadline, which was scheduled for Monday, will be extended to a yet-to-be-determined date later this year, it was announced Sunday in agreement by officials at Churchill Downs Racetrack, the Maryland Jockey Club and New York Racing Association.
On March 17, Churchill Downs Incorporated announced the 146th Kentucky Derby Presented was rescheduled from May 2 to Sept. 5 following public health concerns in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Officials with the Maryland Jockey Club and NYRA are continuing discussions with state and local governments and all appropriate parties to determine the most suitable time to conduct the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course, scheduled for May 16, and Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park, scheduled for June 6.
When all three Triple Crown dates appear to be firm, a late Triple Crown nomination closing date will be announced.
Three-year-old Thoroughbreds from the 2017 foal crop that were not made eligible for $600 during the early nomination phase will be able to be nominated for $6,000 via a payment on www.thetriplecrown.com or by calling the Churchill Downs Racing Office at (502) 638-3825.
A total of 347 horses were nominated to this year’s Triple Crown during the early phase, which closed Jan. 25.