The 151st Preakness Stakes is being held at Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland, rather than its historic home at Pimlico Race Course. This shift is part of a massive, state-backed redevelopment project aimed at modernizing Maryland’s racing infrastructure.
Why is the 151st Preakness Being Run at Laurel Park?
The Laurel Park relocation is a temporary measure due to the complete demolition and reconstruction of Pimlico Race Course.
Following the milestone 150th Preakness Stakes running in 2025, the Baltimore facility was closed to undergo a $400 million transformation.
The project, managed by the Maryland Stadium Authority, involves:
- A Rotated Track: The existing track is being demolished and rebuilt at a different angle to better utilize the site.
- New Facilities: Construction of a modern clubhouse, high-tech training barns, and a flexible “event plaza” for community use throughout the year.
- Infrastructure: Excavation for a new tunnel and upgraded utility systems that were no longer sustainable in the aging “Old Hilltop” structure.
With the renovation being financed through bonds authorized by the Maryland General Assembly under HB 1524, passed in 2024
Preakness Stakes Moved To Laurel Park
Because the site is currently a major construction zone with no seating or racing surface, the Maryland Jockey Club moved the 151st edition of the “Run for the Black-Eyed Susans” 30 miles southwest to Laurel Park.
Sheila Curry, Chair of the Maryland Horse Industry Board said. “Because it’s so close to us, we decided we’re going to celebrate it in a big way,” “We are going to have restaurants that are going to be serving the Black-Eyed Susan cocktails, having Preakness-themed dinners…”
However, the 2026 Preakness Stakes WON’T feature the recent Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo, who is targeting the Belmont Stakes (June 6) instead.
With his trainer Cherie DeVaux saying the second leg of the US Triple Crown is just “too soon”.
How Will The Pimlico Racetrack Be Transformed?
How Far Is Laurel Park Racetrack From Pimlico Racetrack?
The original home of the Preakness Stakes – Pimlico Racetrack – is situated about 30 miles north of its temporary residence Laurel Park, Maryland.
With the trip between the two tracks about 35 minutes in a car. Meaning horse racing fans won’t have to travel far to see the 2026 Preakness Stakes.
When Will the Preakness Stakes Return to Pimlico?
The Preakness is scheduled to return to Pimlico Race Course for the 152nd running in 2027.
While the new permanent clubhouse may not be fully finished until 2028 (the 153rd running), the racing surface and essential infrastructure are expected to be ready to host the event in May 2027.
Fans can expect a “boutique” meet atmosphere as the finishing touches are applied to the grandstand.
“Through this multi-year transformational project, the Pimlico Race Course will become a year-round racing facility bringing in economic benefits to the surrounding communities and further elevating Maryland, home of the Preakness Stakes, as a premiere sports tourism destination,” said Craig A. Thompson, Chair of the Maryland Stadium Authority, via a press release.
Has The Preakness Stakes Ever Been Run Away From Pimlico Before?
Yes, but you have to look back over a century to find the last time it happened.
Although Pimlico is the spiritual home of the race, the Preakness has a nomadic early history:
- 1890 (Morris Park, New York): Due to financial difficulties at the Maryland Jockey Club, the race was held at Morris Park in the Bronx.
- 1891-1893: The race was not run at all during these years.
- 1894–1908 (Gravesend Race Track, New York): The race was held at the Gravesend track on Coney Island for 15 consecutive years.
- 1909-Present: The race returned to Pimlico in 1909 and had been held there every year since-including through the Great Depression and the COVID-19 pandemic-until the current 2026 renovation forced the move to Laurel Park.
Note: These “lost years” in New York were only officially recognized and added to the Preakness history books by the Maryland Jockey Club in the mid-20th century.
Preakness Stakes Race Details 2026
📅 Date: Saturday, 16 May 2026
⌚ Time: 7:01pm ET
🏇 Racecourse: Laurel Park
🔄 Trip: 1m 1 1/2f
💷 Purse: $2m
📺 TV: Sky Sports Racing / NBC / Peacock
Preakness Stakes Betting Odds and Favorite
With Golden Tempo not heading to the 2026 Preakness Stakes, the bookmakers make the Bob Baffert-trained Crude Velocity the favorite.
This 3yold missed the Kentucky Derby, but still ran on the same card – when winning the Pat Day Mile at Churchill Downs on 2nd May (watch below).
He’ll be looking to give Baffert a nineth success in the Preakness Stakes.
Preakness Stakes Betting
- Crude Velocity 7/4
- Silent Tactic 5/1
- Taj Mahal 5/1
- Ocelli 8/1
- Chip Honcho 8/1
- Iron Honor 12/1
- Napoleon Solo 16/1
- Corona De Oro 16/1
- 20/1 BAR
Note: Preakness Stakes betting odds are subject to change
WATCH: Crude Velocity Winning The Pat Day Mile at Churchill Downs
