TMJC also controls the media rights and licensing for the Preakness Stakes, as identified in the Master Agreement between the State of Maryland and 1/ST Maryland LLC, dated June 28, 2024. None of that is affected by the potential Churchill Downs transaction.

Churchill Downs is moving to acquire the Preakness Stakes brand, marking a major shift in control of one of horse racing’s biggest events.

Undefeated 3-year-old colt Taj Mahal is bound for the 151st Preakness Stakes (G1), middle jewel of the Triple Crown to be run for the first time over his home track May 16, following a dominant victory in Saturday’s Federico Tesio at Laurel Park.

The Maryland Stadium Authority has approved a nearly $50 million plan for the state to buy Laurel Park and redevelop it into a "best-in-class horse training facility," the governor's office announced on Monday.