2026 Preakness Stakes Relocated to Laurel Park with Key Absences
The 151st Preakness Stakes will be held on May 16, 2026, at Laurel Park, Maryland, marking a historic temporary relocation from Pimlico Race Course due to renovations. Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo and runner-up Renegade are absent, eliminating Triple Crown possibilities as they prepare for the Belmont Stakes. Fourteen horses, including Incredibolt and Taj Majal, will compete for the $2 million purse. NBC and Peacock will provide comprehensive television and streaming coverage, maintaining the event's prestige despite the venue change and notable scratchings.
Editorial summary awaiting refresh
Cross-source coverage
Wire timeline
Napoleon Solo Wins 2026 Preakness Stakes, Skips Belmont
Napoleon Solo, a gray colt trained by Chad Summers and ridden by jockey Paco Lopez, won the 151st running of the Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park on May 17, 2026. The victory in the second leg of the Triple Crown was achieved through a stalking strategy, finishing a length and a quarter ahead of the competition. Despite earlier setbacks in graded stakes races that year, Napoleon Solo leveraged his status as the only Grade 1 winner in the field to secure the win at 7-to-1 odds. The victory earned connections over $1.5 million in career earnings for the horse. However, the camp announced that Napoleon Solo will not compete in the upcoming Belmont Stakes, citing preferences for shorter distances. Instead, the team plans to target summer races such as the Grade 1 Haskell at Monmouth Park. This decision prevents a potential showdown with Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo in the final Triple Crown race. The win solidifies Napoleon Solo's reputation as one of the top three-year-old Thoroughbreds in the country.
yahoo sportsNapoleon Solo Wins 2026 Preakness Stakes, Skips Belmont
Napoleon Solo, a gray colt trained by Chad Summers and ridden by jockey Paco Lopez, won the 151st running of the Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park on May 17, 2026. The horse employed a stalking strategy, taking control at the top of the stretch to win by a length and a quarter. This victory establishes Napoleon Solo as a top three-year-old Thoroughbred, despite earlier setbacks in the Fountain of Youth Stakes and Wood Memorial. Owned by Gold Square LLC, the colt returned $17.80 on a $2 win bet, triggering significant payouts for pick 4 and pick 5 wagers. Although this win secures the second leg of the Triple Crown, connections announced that Napoleon Solo will not compete in the final leg, the Belmont Stakes, on June 6. The decision stems from concerns that his running style and speed are better suited for shorter distances than the mile-and-a-quarter Belmont track. Instead, the team plans to target summer races such as the Grade 1 Haskell at Monmouth Park. Napoleon Solo, a son of Liam’s Map, has now earned over $1.5 million in career winnings.
Forbes - BusinessNapoleon Solo Wins 2026 Preakness Stakes in Mild Upset Over Favorite Iron Honor
Napoleon Solo secured a victory in the 151st running of the Preakness Stakes on May 17, 2026, delivering a mild upset against the morning-line favorite, Iron Honor. Ridden by jockey Paco Lopez, Napoleon Solo crossed the finish line first at Laurel Park, rewarding bettors who backed the 8-1 longshot. Iron Honor, trained by Chad Brown and listed at 9-2 odds, finished second despite being the pre-race favorite. The article highlights that Napoleon Solo had been overlooked by many handicappers due to concerns about his performance at longer distances. The report includes detailed betting odds for all fourteen entrants, noting other contenders like Taj Mahal and Chip Honcho. It also provides historical context by listing past Preakness winners and their odds. The piece serves as both a race result summary and a betting analysis, offering insights into the performance of various horses and the financial implications for wagerers at platforms like FanDuel.
Covers.com: general News and StoriesNapoleon Solo Wins 151st Preakness Stakes After Jockey's Persuasion
Napoleon Solo secured a victory in the 151st Preakness Stakes, the middle jewel of horse racing’s Triple Crown, despite initial hesitations from his connections regarding his entry. The three-year-old horse, trained by Chad Summers and owned by Al Gold, had previously finished fifth in two races in 2026, raising concerns about his stamina for the 1 3/16th mile distance at Laurel Park. Jockey Paco Lopez played a pivotal role by urging the team to enter the race after the Wood Memorial, believing in the horse's untapped potential. Although Gold was skeptical about the horse's ability to handle the distance, Napoleon Solo proved his critics wrong. In a competitive 14-horse field that lacked Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo, Napoleon Solo surged past pre-race favorite Taj Mahal in the final stretch to win the Woodlawn Vase trophy. The victory marked a significant turnaround for the horse, validating Lopez's confidence and overcoming the team's earlier worries about performance and endurance at the temporary Maryland venue.
NBC News Top StoriesNapoleon Solo Wins 2026 Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park
Napoleon Solo, a three-year-old horse, claimed victory in the 2026 Preakness Stakes, marking a historic moment as the race was held at Laurel Park in Maryland for the first time due to ongoing renovations at the traditional venue, Pimlico Race Course. The win delivered the first Triple Crown race triumph for jockey Paco Lopez and trainer Chad Summers. The total purse for the 151st edition of the event was $2 million. Napoleon Solo's team received $1.2 million for the first-place finish. Iron Honor, trained by two-time Preakness champion Chad Brown, secured second place with a payout of $400,000. Chip Honcho, ridden by Kentucky Derby champion Jose Ortiz, finished third, earning $220,000. The remaining purse was distributed among the fourth and fifth place finishers, Ocelli and Incredibolt, who received $120,000 and $60,000 respectively. This event highlights a significant logistical shift in horse racing history while celebrating a breakthrough performance for the winning team.
yahoo sportsDerby Runners Struggle in Preakness as Napoleon Solo Wins
In the 2026 Preakness Stakes held at Laurel Park, Napoleon Solo secured victory by maintaining a lead throughout the race. The event highlighted the challenges of the short two-week turnaround between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness, as only three horses attempted to compete in both races this year: Ocelli, Incredibolt, and Robusta. None of these contenders managed to finish in the top three, with Ocelli placing fourth, Incredibolt fifth, and Robusta ninth. Their performances failed to threaten the winner, reinforcing ongoing debates about the Triple Crown schedule. Derby winner Golden Tempo did not participate, further fueling discussions on whether the interval between races should be extended. Trainers expressed mixed feelings; while Incredibolt's trainer noted the pace was too demanding, Ocelli's trainer was satisfied with a respectable fourth-place finish. Meanwhile, Great White, who had been scratched from the Derby due to a jockey incident, competed without issue but finished eighth. The outcome has intensified calls from owners and industry figures to modify the traditional scheduling to allow horses more recovery time.
yahoo sportsNapoleon Solo Wins 151st Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park
Napoleon Solo, ridden by jockey Paco Lopez, won the 151st Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park in Maryland on May 16, 2026. The victory marked the first Triple Crown race win for owner Al Gold, Lopez, and trainer Chad Summers. Despite Gold's initial doubts about the colt's ability to handle the 1-3/16-mile distance, Lopez's strategy allowed Napoleon Solo to overtake the favorite, Taj Mahal, at the second turn and hold off Iron Honor to win by 1 1/4 lengths. Notably, none of the top three finishers had competed in the Kentucky Derby two weeks prior, as the Derby winner Golden Tempo and runner-up Renegade skipped the Preakness. The race featured a full field of 14 horses, a rarity in recent years, and was held at Laurel Park while Pimlico Race Course undergoes a $400 million renovation. Napoleon Solo paid $17.80 on a $2 win ticket. The winning time of 1:58.69 was more than three seconds slower than the previous year's record, marking the slowest time since 1950.
Deadspin > Sports News Without Fear, Favor or CompromiseNapoleon Solo Wins 151st Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park
Napoleon Solo, ridden by jockey Paco Lopez and trained by Chad Summers, won the 151st Preakness Stakes on May 16, 2026. The race was held at Laurel Park in Maryland, marking the first and only time the venue hosted the event while the traditional home, Pimlico Race Course, undergoes renovations. Napoleon Solo, starting at 7-1 odds, executed a strong stretch run to defeat Iron Honor by a length, with Chip Honcho finishing third. The pre-race favorite, Taj Mahal, finished a disappointing tenth after setting blistering early fractions that exhausted the horse before the final stretch. This victory marked the first Preakness win for both trainer Summers and jockey Lopez. The unique track configuration at Laurel, with a shorter distance to the first turn, influenced the tactical dynamics of the race, favoring front-runners initially but punishing those who expended too much energy early. Ocelli finished fourth, showcasing a late running style similar to his Kentucky Derby performance. The win paid $17.80 on a $2 bet, highlighting the value of the winner against the fading favorite.
yahoo sportsNapoleon Solo Wins Preakness Stakes as Derby Starters Fail to Place
Napoleon Solo, ridden by jockey Paco Lopez, claimed victory in the Grade I Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park in Maryland. The Liam's Map colt led a group of "new shooters"—horses that did not compete in the Kentucky Derby—to win the second leg of the Triple Crown. Notably, none of the three Kentucky Derby participants finished in the top three, with Ocelli and Incredibolt placing fourth and fifth. Iron Honor and Chip Honcho finished second and third, respectively. Napoleon Solo completed the 1 3/16-mile race in 1:58.69 on a fast track. This victory marks the first Triple Crown win for Lopez and trainer Chad Summers, who praised his team for the horse's improvement after earlier setbacks in the Fountain of Youth and Wood Memorial stakes. Owner Al Gold expressed immense pride in the performance. The absence of the Kentucky Derby winner, Golden Tempo, and the lack of Derby contenders in the money have reignited debates regarding the tight scheduling of the Triple Crown series.
yahoo sportsNapoleon Solo Wins Preakness Stakes in Historic Race at Laurel Park
Napoleon Solo, a three-year-old horse, secured a thrilling victory in the Preakness Stakes on Saturday, May 16, 2026. This win marks the first Triple Crown race victory for both jockey Paco Lopez and trainer Chad Summers. The race held historical significance as it was the first time the Preakness Stakes was conducted at Laurel Park, due to ongoing renovations at the traditional venue, Pimlico Race Course. Napoleon Solo, purchased by owner Al Gold for $40,000 in 2024, overtook the favorite, Taj Mahal, to claim the title. Trainer Chad Summers expressed pride in overcoming past criticisms and challenges. Iron Honor, trained by Chad Brown, finished in second place, while Chip Honcho took third. Notably, Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo did not participate, opting to focus on the upcoming Belmont Stakes. The victory was celebrated as a rewarding moment for the team, highlighting their perseverance despite an inconsistent career trajectory for the horse prior to this major win.
yahoo sportsNapoleon Solo Wins Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park
Napoleon Solo, ridden by jockey Paco Lopez, won the 151st running of the Preakness Stakes on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Laurel Park in Maryland. The horse held off a late challenge from Iron Honor to secure victory by 1 1/4 lengths, marking his first win of the year after two previous fifth-place finishes. Chip Honcho finished third. The race featured a wide-open field of 14 horses, as Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo did not compete. Taj Mahal, the betting favorite at 9-2 odds, took an early lead but faded in the stretch. This year's event was notably subdued due to venue changes; the race was moved from its traditional home at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, which is currently undergoing reconstruction, to Laurel Park. Consequently, attendance was capped at 4,800 spectators, a stark contrast to the typically rowdy and crowded infield atmosphere associated with the Triple Crown's middle jewel. The victory represents a significant rebound for trainer Brittany Russell’s team and solidifies Napoleon Solo's status in the thoroughbred racing circuit.
yahoo sportsNapoleon Solo Wins 151st Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park
Napoleon Solo, ridden by jockey Paco Lopez, won the 151st Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park in Maryland, marking a significant redemption for trainer Chad Summers. After a disappointing three-year-old season following a strong two-year-old campaign that included a Grade 1 Champagne Stakes victory, Napoleon Solo delivered a powerful late surge around the final turn to overtake pace-setter Taj Mahal. This victory secured the first Preakness win for both Summers and Lopez. Iron Honor, trained by Chad Brown, finished second, while Chip Honcho took third place. The race was held at Laurel Park instead of the traditional Pimlico Race Course due to ongoing renovations, resulting in a significantly smaller crowd of approximately 4,000 spectators. Notably, Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo did not compete, ending any chance for a Triple Crown contender this year. Additionally, Brittany Russell, who hoped to become the first female trainer to win the Preakness with Taj Mahal, saw her horse fade to tenth place. The Triple Crown series will conclude with the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga on June 6.
yahoo sportsNapoleon Solo Wins 2026 Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park
Napoleon Solo, a long-shot contender, won the 2026 Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park in Maryland, marking an unprecedented edition of the race due to ongoing renovations at its traditional home, Pimlico Race Course. The 3-year-old colt, trained by Chad Summers and ridden by jockey Paco Lopez, executed a patient strategy in a fast-paced field, overtaking the favorite, Taj Mahal, in the final stretch to win by multiple lengths with a time of 1:58.69. Iron Honor finished second, followed by Chip Honcho in third. This victory marked trainer Chad Summers' first Preakness win in his debut attempt. The event featured the largest field in 15 years but saw significantly reduced attendance of approximately 4,800 patrons, lacking the traditional infield festivities and large crowds associated with the race. Officials described the atmosphere as more traditional and disjointed compared to previous years. Despite the unusual setting, the race proceeded successfully, with officials expressing confidence that the event will return to a renovated Pimlico next year, signaling a future stride for Maryland horse racing.
yahoo sportsNapoleon Solo Wins 2026 Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park
Napoleon Solo, trained by Chad Summers and ridden by jockey Paco Lopez, secured victory in the 2026 Preakness Stakes held at Laurel Park in Maryland. The gray colt, owned by Al Gold of Gold Square LLC, won the Grade 1 race at 7-1 odds, completing the 1 3/16-mile distance in 1:58.69 and paying $17.80 for a $2 win bet. Iron Honor finished in second place, followed by Chip Honcho in third. This win improved Napoleon Solo's career record to three wins in five starts, following a fifth-place finish in the Wood Memorial. Notably, the 2026 Preakness was relocated from its traditional home at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore to Laurel Park due to ongoing renovations. Attendance was limited to 4,800 spectators. The race did not feature Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo, who skipped the event under trainer Cherie DeVaux to prepare for the upcoming Belmont Stakes at Saratoga, thereby eliminating any Triple Crown possibility for this year.
yahoo sportsNapoleon Solo Wins 151st Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park
Napoleon Solo won the 151st running of the Preakness Stakes on Saturday, defeating 13 other horses in the largest field for the race in 15 years. Held at Laurel Park in Maryland due to ongoing renovations at the traditional venue, Pimlico Race Course, the event saw Napoleon Solo overcome early leader Taj Mahal to secure victory. Jockey Paco Lopez achieved his first Preakness win, while trainer Chad Summers also claimed his inaugural title in the race, which carries a $2 million purse. Iron Honor finished second, 1 1/4 lengths behind the winner, with Chip Honcho taking third place. The race did not feature a Triple Crown contender, as Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo, trained by Cherie DeVaux, skipped the event to allow the horse more recovery time. This marked the first time the second jewel of the Triple Crown was held at Laurel Park, highlighting a temporary shift in the historic racing calendar while Pimlico undergoes significant infrastructure improvements expected to conclude next year.
yahoo sportsNapoleon Solo Wins Preakness Stakes, Defeating Favorite Taj Mahal
Napoleon Solo secured a victory in the Preakness Stakes on Saturday, May 16, 2026, defeating the pre-race favorite Taj Mahal. The race, serving as the middle jewel of the Triple Crown, was held at Laurel Park due to ongoing reconstruction at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo did not participate, leaving a competitive field of 14 horses. Taj Mahal, who entered as the 9-2 favorite, took an early lead but was overtaken by Napoleon Solo (7-1) near the top of the stretch. Iron Honor finished second, falling 1 1/4 lengths short, while Chip Honcho placed third. This win marked Napoleon Solo's first of the year, rebounding from previous fifth-place finishes. The event featured a subdued atmosphere with attendance limited to 4,800 spectators, a significant departure from the traditionally rowdy crowds and live music associated with the Preakness. The result was notable as Taj Mahal had the longest odds for a Preakness favorite since the race distance was standardized in 1925.
yahoo sportsNapoleon Solo Wins 2026 Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park
Napoleon Solo secured victory in the 151st running of the Preakness Stakes, held on May 16, 2026, at Laurel Park in Maryland. Despite entering the race with 10-1 odds, the horse surged past the early leader, Taj Mahal, who was the 9/2 favorite, during the final stretch to claim the title. This year's event was notable for being hosted at Laurel Park instead of the traditional Pimlico Race Course, which is undergoing complete renovations, marking the first and only time Laurel Park has served as the venue for this Triple Crown jewel. Although no Triple Crown was at stake, the race remained highly competitive and exciting. Golden Tempo, the recent Kentucky Derby winner known for a dramatic comeback, did not participate in the Preakness. Owner Cherie DeVaux decided to skip the race to prioritize the horse's long-term health, removing a major contender from the field. The event highlighted both the unpredictability of horse racing and the logistical adjustments made due to infrastructure renovations at historic tracks.
New York PostNapoleon Solo Wins 151st Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park
Napoleon Solo secured victory in the 151st running of the Preakness Stakes on Saturday, defeating 13 other horses in the race's largest field in 15 years. The event, traditionally held at Pimlico Race Course, was relocated to Laurel Park in Maryland due to ongoing renovations at Pimlico. Napoleon Solo, entering with 8-1 morning odds, overtook early favorite Taj Mahal to claim the $2 million purse. This victory marked significant milestones for jockey Paco Lopez and trainer Chad Summers, both achieving their first Preakness wins. The absence of Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo, whose trainer Cherie DeVaux opted for additional rest, meant there was no Triple Crown contender this year. The last time a 14-horse field competed in the Preakness was in 2011. This race serves as the second jewel of the Triple Crown series, continuing the prestigious tradition despite the temporary venue change. The win highlights a competitive field and successful strategic decisions by the winning team.
Home - CBSNews.comNapoleon Solo Wins 151st Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park
Napoleon Solo emerged victorious in the 151st running of the Preakness Stakes, securing the win by taking the lead at the top of the stretch and maintaining it to the finish line. This year's race was notable for featuring a 14-horse field, marking the first time since 2011 that the event has seen such a large lineup of competitors. Due to a significant $400 million renovation project at its traditional venue, Pimlico Race Course, the race was temporarily relocated to Laurel Park. The change in venue also impacted spectator arrangements, with attendance strictly capped at 4,800 individuals and no access permitted to the infield area. The event took place on Saturday, May 16, 2026, drawing attention not only for the competitive outcome but also for the logistical adjustments necessitated by the ongoing infrastructure improvements at Pimlico. This victory adds a new chapter to the history of the Preakness Stakes, one of the most prestigious races in American horse racing, under unique circumstances driven by venue modernization efforts.
yahoo sportsNapoleon Solo Wins Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park in Subdued Atmosphere
Napoleon Solo secured victory in the 2026 Preakness Stakes, holding off Iron Honor by 1 1/4 lengths to claim his first win of the year. The race, serving as the middle jewel of the Triple Crown, took place at Laurel Park instead of the traditional Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, which is currently undergoing reconstruction. This venue change contributed to a significantly quieter atmosphere, with attendance restricted to 4,800 spectators, a stark contrast to the event's usual rowdy infield celebrations. Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo did not participate, leaving a wide-open field of 14 horses. Taj Mahal, the final favorite at 9-2 odds, led early but faded in the stretch, finishing behind the winner and the runner-up, Iron Honor. Chip Honcho placed third. The shift to Laurel Park and the absence of top contender Golden Tempo defined this year's unique and subdued edition of the historic race.
yahoo sports