Preakness Stakes

Publication date: 08 Jul 2025

About the Preakness Stakes

The Preakness Stakes is one of the three major horse races in the United States, held annually since 1873 on the third Saturday in May at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. This is the second race in the Triple Crown series that takes place 2 weeks after the Kentucky Derby. The course is 1.9 km long.

Attendance at the Preakness Stakes ranks second among horse races, only behind the Kentucky Derby. So far, only 12 horses have won the Triple Crown.

Official Preakness Stakes website

2026 Preakness Stakes

In 2026, the second race of the US Triple Crown — the Preakness Stakes — will be held on May 16. Unlike the usual place, this time the races will take place at the Laurel Park racetrack in Maryland. This decision is due to the large-scale reconstruction of the historic Pimlico track in Baltimore, which will last until 2027.

Despite the move, all the main traditions of the Preakness are preserved: the distance remains the standard – 1 3/16 miles, and the best three-year-old horses of the season will meet on the track again. This is the 151st edition of the race, and interest in it, as always, is huge – after all, it is here that contenders for the “crown” after the Kentucky Derby are determined.

Laurel Park already hosted the races in 2025 and will again become a temporary home for the Preakness. Organizers promise spectacular races, a festive atmosphere, fan zones and a concert program. Even with the new track, the race remains one of the most anticipated on the American racing calendar.

History of the horse races

Preakness Stakes are named after horse Preakness, who won Pimlico race in the 19th century. First held in 1873, race has since become an important part of American equestrian culture. Race spans 1,900 meters, making it the shortest of all Triple Crown events, but still intense and spectacular.

First Preakness Stakes featured 7 entrants. John Chamberlain, a three-year-old stallion, won a prize of 2050 USD. His result was not surpassed until 2004.

The winning horse is awarded with yellow flowers and the owner of the winning horse is presented with a trophy, the Woodlawn Vase. This vase has been the official trophy for Preakness Stakes winners since 1917.

Previous horse races results

2027 Preakness Stakes

There is currently no word on the next Preakness Stakes, which is also tentatively scheduled for May 2027.

Keep an eye on the dates of horse races and other events in our Sports Events Calendar.