The 2026 Preakness Stakes, marking its 151st running, is set for Saturday, May 16, 2026, and will notably be held at Laurel Park instead of its long-standing venue, Pimlico Race Course, due to ongoing renovations at Pimlico. This historic race forms an essential part of the American horse racing calendar, captivating fans and drawing major contenders each year.
Traditionally known as “The Run for the Black-Eyed Susans,” the Preakness Stakes is a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds. The course spans 1 3/16 miles, slightly shorter than the Kentucky Derby but famous for its intense speed and competitive field. This event is recognized for its festive atmosphere and the blanket of Black-Eyed Susan flowers placed on the winning horse.
For 2026, fans should note the venue change: the race moves to Laurel Park in Maryland because Pimlico is undergoing a significant $400 million renovation. Despite the change in location, the classic third-Saturday-in-May tradition continues unabated. The race is scheduled to start in the evening, with gates opening earlier for racegoers to enjoy the full slate of activities.
The total purse for the 2026 Preakness Stakes is set at $2 million, with the winner taking home a substantial portion of this sum, estimated at $1.2 million. This lucrative prize highlights the prestige attached to the race and the competitive nature of the field each year. The purse has grown dramatically over the decades, from its humble origins of just $2,050.
The Preakness Stakes is the second jewel in the Triple Crown of American horse racing, taking place two weeks after the Kentucky Derby and three weeks before the Belmont Stakes. The outcome of this race is pivotal, often determining whether the Derby winner has a chance to pursue racing immortality through a Triple Crown sweep.
The event’s rich traditions, including its unique trophy and the celebratory blanket of Black-Eyed Susans, have contributed to its legendary status in horse racing. Attendance often exceeds 100,000, making it one of the most well-attended races in the country. Legendary horses such as Secretariat and jockeys like Eddie Arcaro have shaped its legacy, reinforcing the Preakness Stakes’ place in sporting lore.
