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    The 151st Preakness Stakes — the legendary “Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown” — races into history on Saturday, May 16, with a different look.

    For the first time in more than a century, the Preakness will not be held at the iconic Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. Instead, this year’s race moves temporarily to a new home, giving a new address to one of horse racing’s most celebrated traditions.

    From its history to where the people will be at, here’s your rundown for the weekend’s festivities.

    A Temporary Venue…

    151st Preakness Stakes - Previews
    Laurel Park, Home of the 151st Preakness Stakes. Image: Getty Images

    The Pimlico Race Course, a space traditionally known for showcasing the fashionable stylings of Black Baltimoreans, is undergoing a $400 million redevelopment project, expected to be completed in 2027. So, for the first time in its modern history, the race will be held at Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland.

    …With Limited Space

    Because of Laurel Park’s smaller capacity, attendance for 2026 is strictly capped at around 4,800 attendees, instead of the usual crowds of more than 100,000. Without question, this year’s races are some of the most exclusive tickets in the history of Preakness. 

    Where to Be: The Preakness Festival 

    Maryland Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller and First Lady Dawn Flythe Moore at Preakness 2025. Image: Office of the Governor of Maryland 
    Maryland Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller and First Lady Dawn Flythe Moore at Preakness 2025. Image: Office of the Governor of Maryland 

    If you’re pulling up to Preakness for the culture, the fly fits, and the day-party energy, the Preakness Festival is the mood. Created under the vision of Maryland’s First Lady Dawn Moore, the festival is an annual state tradition that brings the spirit of the Preakness Stakes beyond the track and into communities across the state.

    Each spring, the festival draws residents and visitors together through a diverse lineup of events celebrating Maryland’s equestrian heritage, local articles, and the culture that makes the state unique. This year’s events kicked off with the Preakness Festival Market and Movie Night, a free screening that was held on May 8, and will continue with festivities through May 17. From farm tours and film screenings to music festivals and horse racing royalty, the 2026 Preakness Festival offers something for everyone.

    Presented in partnership with the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus and The Preakness Festival, AfroPreak brings together music, fashion, and cocktails all under one roof. Created by Derrick Chase and Larian Finney, AfroPreak has become the unofficial “where everybody’s at” event of Preakness weekend, mixing Derby-inspired glam with the unmistakable vibe of a Black family reunion meets rooftop day party.

    Taking over Baltimore’s Power Plant Live!, guests will sip, dance, stunt, and catch live broadcasts of the races while DJs Quicksilva, Flow, P Drama, Supream, and The Bearded Drummer keep the energy all the way up. It’s all about the bold hats, fresh sneakers, luxury looks, good music, and even better people.

    The Black-Eyed Susan Stakes

    Black Eyed Susan 2025. Image: Office of the Governor of Maryland 
    Black-Eyed Susan Stakes 2025. Image: Office of the Governor of Maryland 

    Regarded as the filly equivalent to the Preakness, the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes is a Grade II fixture held every year on the Friday of Preakness weekend. Now featuring a $300,000 purse, the race acts as the middle jewel of the unofficial “Filly Triple Crown.” With the 102nd running of the race this year, it remains a marquee event on the Maryland racing calendar.

    The Preakness Roots

    One of the most anticipated events in thoroughbred racing, the Preakness Stakes dates back to 1873, making it even older than the Kentucky Derby. Governor Oden Bowie named the race after Preakness, the colt who won Pimlico’s inaugural stakes race in 1870.

    Known today as “The Run for the Black-Eyed Susans,” the Preakness serves as the dramatic second leg of the Triple Crown, sitting squarely between the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes, where dreams of racing immortality are either kept alive or heartbreakingly dashed.

    The Preakness Stakes holds a profound connection to Black history, rooted in the “Golden Age” when African American jockeys and trainers dominated horse racing. Legendary figures such as George “Spider” Anderson, the first recognized Black jockey to win the Preakness Stakes, achieved this historic victory on May 10, 1889, aboard the horse Buddhist. They were premier stars of racing before Jim Crow-era exclusions prohibited them from the sport. Today, this legacy remains a vital but often overlooked foundation of the Triple Crown’s heritage. 

    Who’s Competing

    In a full field of 14 horses, the leading contenders for the 2026 title and $2 million purse include Incredibolt, Iron Honor, and Taj Mahal. Notably, Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo was withdrawn to focus on the Belmont Stakes, meaning there will be no Triple Crown sweep in 2026.

    How to Watch the Preakness Stakes, Even If You’re Not There

    The 151st Preakness Stakes will air live on NBC and USA Network and stream on Peacock. The races begin at 1 pm ET with the Preakness prep races and continue at 4 pm ET with the main event.


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