Here’s what’s known about the 2026 Preakness as of now.
- Location and date: The 2026 Preakness Stakes is scheduled for May 16, 2026, and will be run at Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland, due to Pimlico Race Course undergoing renovations. This relocation marks a rare move in the race’s history.[1][2]
- Why the move: Pimlico is undergoing a $14.3 million renovation project that includes a rebuilt grandstand, updated racing surface, and enhanced fan facilities, with Pimlico slated to reopen in 2027.[1]
- Return plan: The plan publicly indicated is for the Preakness to return to Pimlico in 2027 after the renovations are completed.[1]
- Race details: The 2026 edition remains a Grade I race for three-year-olds at 1 3/16 miles, consistent with the traditional Preakness format.[2]
Additional context you might find useful
- Betting and previews: As the date approaches, racing outlets and betting sites will publish updated odds, field forecasts, and post-position analyses for the Laurel Park venue.[4][5]
- Historical notes: This is the first time since the 1890s-1900s that the Preakness will be held at a different track, making the 2026 race a notable exception in the event’s long history.[2]
If you’d like, I can pull the latest field, post positions, and early odds as the race nears, and summarize them in a quick chart. I can also provide a brief comparison of Pimlico’s renovations vs. Laurel Park’s facilities to give you a clearer picture of the venue switch. Would you like that?
Citations:
- Preakness relocation and 2027 return plan[1]
- 2026 race at Laurel Park and distance details[2]
- General updates and race context from Preakness official/news pages[4]
Sources
Baltimore, MD (May 1th, 2025) – 1/ST has announced they will again be partnering with Irish technology company, Equine MediRecord (EMR) and their group Business Infusions (BI) to digitize equine welfare protocols for Preakness 150. This added measure will enhance the stringent equine health and safety protocols that will be in place for the race […] … Baltimore, MD (May 15, 2024) – 1/ST has announced they will again partner with Irish technology company, Equine MediRecord (EMR) and their group...
www.preakness.comThe Preakness typically features a smaller field than the Kentucky Derby, and that alone changes the conversation.
pastthewire.com2026 Preakness Stakes Betting, official odds provided by US Racing the leader in online horse betting.
usracing.comHorse Racing News: 2026 Calendar, Triple Crown and International Stakes. US Racing, all you need for Every Race, Expert Picks and Odds.
usracing.comThe 2026 Preakness Stakes will be held at Laurel Park while Pimlico Race Course undergoes a $14.3 million renovation. The Triple Crown race is expected to return to Baltimore in 2027.
www.betzillion.comThe second jewel of racing’s Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes is for 3-year-olds and is held on the third Saturday in May each year at Pimlico Race Course. The race is contested at a distance of 1 3/16 miles on the dirt. Top 3-year-old colts contest the race annually, and on five occasions the Preakness has been captured by a filly: Flocarline (1903), Whimsical (1906), Rhine Maiden (1915), Nellie Morse (1924) and Rachel Alexandra (2009).
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