See everything you need to know about the 2026 Preakness Stakes date, time and how to watch the second leg of the Triple Crown.
2026 Preakness Stakes Date & Time
The 151st running of the Preakness Stakes is right around the corner and takes place on Saturday 16th May – just two weeks on from the Kentucky Derby, which was won by Golden Tempo.
Last year’s race went off around 7:00pm, but things could change in 2026 as the Preakness Stakes will no longer be ran at Pimlico racecourse in Maryland. However, things are unlikely to change too much, and we’re predicting a 7:00pm (local) post-time again at Laurel Park.
If watching in the UK, the race should start around midnight (12:00am).
Why Is The Preakness Stakes No Longer At Pimlico Racecourse?
Well, there are big changes to the Preakness Stakes this year. Due to renovations at Pimlico Racecourse, the 2026 renewal will be held at Laurel Park in Maryland.
There’s around a 40 minute difference in the locations. Pimlico is in Baltimore, and Laurel Park is just north of Maryland City.
Redevelopments of Pimlico started last year after the 2025 Preakness Stakes with $400million being spent on the new project.
But even after Pimlico complete their renovation, the Preakness Stakes will be heading to Churchill Downs permanently. The Louisville-based track acquired the race for $85million recently.
WATCH: Journalism Wins Final Preakness Stakes At Pimlico In 2025
ROYAL RUMBLE! JOURNALISM WINS THE 150TH PREAKNESS STAKES! #Preakness150 pic.twitter.com/5N7NXMmQ56
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) May 17, 2025
Kentucky Derby Hero Golden Tempo Will NOT Be Running In The Preakness
History-making trainer Cherie DeVaux confirmed that Golden Tempo won’t be running in the Preakness Stakes – as the race comes too soon after the Kentucky Derby.
DeVaux said the following:
“We are incredibly appreciative of the excitement and support surrounding the possibility of a Triple Crown run.
“Golden Tempo gave us the race of a lifetime in the Kentucky Derby, and we believe the best decision for him moving forward is to give him a little more time following such a tremendous effort. His health, happiness and long-term future will always remain our top priority.”
Preakness announcement pic.twitter.com/8JQu7VZlRC
— Cherie DeVaux (@reredevaux) May 6, 2026
DeVaux’s horse came from last-to-first to win the Kentucky Derby in splendid fashion. Golden Tempo’s win was history-making too, as his trainer became the first woman to ever win the first leg of the Triple Crown.
But now that he’s missing the Preakness, he won’t become one of the special Triple Crown winners – with the last one being JUSTIFY in 2018.
WATCH: Golden Tempo Wins 2026 Kentucky Derby
GOLDEN TEMPO WINS THE KENTUCKY DERBY. pic.twitter.com/0wM23p3azF
— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) May 2, 2026
How To Watch Preakness Stakes 2026 – TV Channels In US & UK
If watching the Preakness Stakes in the US/Canada, you can follow the action on any of CNBV, FanDuel TV, HTV, NBC, Telemundo and Universo.
As for UK viewers, just like the Kentucky Derby, you’ll be able to watch the Preakness Stakes on Sky Sports Racing.
