Honestly, if you ask a casual sports fan to describe the Preakness Stakes, they’ll probably mention three things: big hats, a messy infield party in Baltimore, and maybe that yellow flower blanket. But if you’re trying to figure out exactly what race is the Preakness Stakes in terms of the actual athletic test, there is a lot more "under the hood" than just Maryland tradition.
It isn't just "the race after the Derby."
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Basically, the Preakness Stakes is a Grade 1 stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbred horses. It serves as the second leg of the American Triple Crown. In the racing world, "Grade 1" is the highest tier possible—think of it like the Champions League or the Super Bowl of horse racing.
The Physical Challenge: Distance and Dirt
The race is run over a distance of 1 3/16 miles (or 9.5 furlongs) on a dirt track. If you compare it to the Kentucky Derby, which is 1 1/4 miles, the Preakness is slightly shorter.
That little difference matters. A lot.
Because it's shorter, the pace is usually faster. It’s a sprint-style classic. Horses that got tired at the end of the Derby often find the Preakness distance more to their liking. Currently, the speed record is still held by the legendary Secretariat, who clocked a 1:53.00 back in 1973.
Where is it happening in 2026?
Here is where things get kinda weird for the traditionalists. For over a century, the Preakness has been synonymous with Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. However, if you are planning to go in 2026, don’t head to Pimlico.
The "Old Hilltop" is currently undergoing a massive, multi-million dollar reconstruction. Because the old grandstands are being demolished to make way for a state-of-the-art facility, the 2026 Preakness Stakes will be held at Laurel Park.
It’s a temporary move. The race is expected to return to a shiny new Pimlico in 2027.
Why the "Black-Eyed Susans" are a Lie
You’ve heard it called the "Run for the Black-Eyed Susans." It sounds lovely and very Maryland-centric. The winner gets a massive floral blanket draped over their back.
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But here is a fun bit of trivia: those aren't actually Black-Eyed Susans.
Since the race happens in mid-May and the actual state flower of Maryland doesn't bloom until June or July, florists have to improvise. They typically use Viking Poms, which are a type of chrysanthemum. They paint the centers black to make them look like the real deal. It’s a harmless bit of stagecraft that has been going on since 1939.
Recent History: Who Won the 150th?
The 2025 Preakness was a massive milestone—the 150th running of the race. It was won by a horse named Journalism, ridden by Umberto Rispoli and trained by Michael McCarthy. Journalism came in with 8-5 odds and absolutely lived up to the hype, finishing with a time of 1:55.47 on a fast track.
It was a bit of a "changing of the guard" moment, especially since 2025 was the final year the race was held at the "old" version of Pimlico before the bulldozers moved in.
The Weigh-In
Weight is strictly regulated to keep things fair.
- Colts and Geldings: Carry 126 pounds.
- Fillies: Carry 121 pounds.
That five-pound "sex allowance" is designed to encourage more fillies to enter the race, though they don't win often. When they do, like Rachel Alexandra in 2009 or Swiss Skydiver in 2020, it’s a massive deal in the sports world.
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Real-World Insights for Fans
If you're looking to actually get into the sport or maybe place a casual wager, keep these nuances in mind:
- The Two-Week Turnaround: The biggest hurdle isn't the distance; it's the timing. Running a high-stakes race just 14 days after the Kentucky Derby is brutal. Many modern trainers are starting to skip the Preakness to save their horses for the Belmont Stakes.
- The "New Shooter" Factor: Keep an eye on horses that skipped the Derby entirely. These "new shooters" arrive in Maryland with fresh legs while the Derby winner is often exhausted.
- Track Bias: Pimlico (and Laurel Park) can sometimes favor horses that stay close to the lead. Unlike the Derby, where a closer can come from the back of the pack, the Preakness often rewards speed.
The Preakness is scheduled for May 16, 2026. Whether you're watching for the Triple Crown pursuit or just the chaotic energy of a Maryland horse race, it remains the most pivotal "pivot point" in the racing calendar.
Next Steps for Racing Enthusiasts
To get ready for the upcoming season, track the "Road to the Preakness" stakes races starting in early spring. You should specifically watch the results of the Federico Tesio Stakes, which is often considered the "local" prep race for the Middle Jewel. If you plan on attending the 2026 race at Laurel Park, book your accommodations in the Anne Arundel County area early, as the venue change will shift the usual Baltimore tourism patterns.