This weekend, Baltimore City Councilman Isaac “Yitzy” Schleifer praised Governor Moore for his decision to move the Preakness Stakes to Sunday because now ‘our Jewish neighbors can finally participate.’
“For decades, one of Baltimore’s signature celebrations has taken place just blocks away from one of the largest Orthodox Jewish communities in America, while many of our families could not fully participate. Now, that changes because of Gov. Wes Moore,” said Baltimore City Councilman Isaac “Yitzy” Schleifer. “The Preakness is being rebuilt, reimagined and strengthened for generations to come. And now, for the first time, Orthodox Jewish Baltimoreans will be able to fully share in Preakness Day.”
Here’s What Marylanders Are Reading:
For more than 150 years, the Preakness Stakes has been one of Baltimore’s proudest traditions. But for generations, there has been one community largely unable to fully participate in Preakness Day: Baltimore’s Orthodox Jewish community.
That is why the decision to move the Preakness Stakes to Sunday beginning in 2027 is so meaningful.
As an Orthodox Jew and a Baltimore City councilman, I know firsthand what it means when major events are held on Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath. From sundown Friday until nightfall Saturday, observant Jews refrain from driving, conducting business, and many other activities associated with attending an event like the Preakness.
For decades, that has meant that one of Baltimore’s signature celebrations has taken place just blocks away from one of the largest Orthodox Jewish communities in America, while many of our families could not fully participate.
Now, that changes because of Gov. Wes Moore.
Beginning next year, the Preakness will be held on Sunday for the first time since the race was first contested in 1873. Orthodox families will be able to travel to Pimlico, experience the race together and participate fully in a Baltimore tradition that belongs to all of us.
We have seen before just how significant the conflict between horse racing and Shabbat can be. I remember the remarkable story of the Zayat family, the Orthodox Jewish owners of American Pharoah. Their horse won the Preakness at Pimlico in 2015 before heading to Belmont with a chance to make history. Because the Preakness Stakes fell on Shabbat, the Zayats slept in RVs near the track so they could observe their faith and still watch American Pharoah become the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years.
Starting next year in Baltimore, Orthodox racing fans won’t have to make that choice.
And none of this would matter if the Preakness itself did not have a secure future in Baltimore.
Moore understood that. His administration helped broker the historic agreement transferring Pimlico to state ownership, securing the Preakness in Baltimore and advancing the redevelopment of Pimlico into a world-class racing facility and year-round economic engine for Park Heights.
Then, when the intellectual property rights to the Preakness became available, Moore acted again. Maryland moved to acquire them, putting the future of our iconic race in Maryland’s hands.
That is what leadership looks like: preserving our traditions while finding ways to make them stronger and more inclusive.
The Preakness isn’t leaving Baltimore. It is being rebuilt, reimagined and strengthened for generations to come. And now, for the first time, Orthodox Jewish Baltimoreans will be able to fully share in Preakness Day.
On Sundays beginning in 2027, I look forward to seeing our community at the track.
Contact Carter Elliott, IV [email protected]