There are few more iconic sporting events on the global calendar than the U.S. Triple Crown of racing.
The Kentucky Derby ranks as the most-watched racing event in North America, with the sport enjoying a golden age of popularity, enjoying a record-breaking audience for the race at Churchill Downs in May.
That success is only set to continue at Laurel Park for the Preakness Stakes in 2026. You can learn about the main betting options available for the race here: twinspires.com/preakness-stakes/handicapping/
However, if you’re heading to the track to watch the race, then you can find out everything that you need to know here.
Where is the Preakness Stakes in 2026?
There will be somewhat of an unfamiliar feeling surrounding the Preakness Stakes in 2026, as for the first-time in history, the Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown will be staged at Laurel Park. This is due to Pimlico being closed due to construction work being completed. Next year, the Preakness Stakes will return to Pimlico.
How to Get to Laurel Park
For the vast majority of visitors to the Preakness Stakes in 2026, Maryland will be a popular place to stay. The venue is located 30 minutes away from Laurel Park, with the MD-32 being the fastest route to the track.
It is likely that the organizers will also put on shuttle busses between the city and racecourse. For those coming for just a day at the races, it is also handy to note that Baltimore/Washington International Airport is located 20 minutes away. International visitors can also get to the track via public transport, with a bus taking just over an hour.
All visitors should ensure that they get to the track early, as parking can often be challenging. In order to avoid massive queues, parking can be booked in advance. However, this typically sells out months before the event.
Tickets
The Preakness Stakes is one of the most popular social events on the Baltimore schedule, meaning that tickets are highly likely to sell out.
Therefore, it is important to buy tickets in advance of the event. Visitors will have a wide price range to select from. The most expensive tickets are located in the grandstand, and could cost up to $400.
Meanwhile, the cheapest tickets are in the in-field. This is a popular option for those travelling in groups, as there is a party-like atmosphere throughout the day.
Due to the event likely to sell out in advance, it is encouraged that all those that want to attend should purchase tickets months in advance.
Are There Traditions at the Preakness Stakes?
Just like the Kentucky Derby, there are also historic traditions that ensure that the Preakness Stakes is one of the standout events in the U.S. calendar. A signature drink is a popular way to start the experience, with the Black-Eyed Susan being the Preakness answer to the Mint Julep at the Kentucky Derby.
All visitors will also be able to join in with a sing along before the race, as ‘Maryland, My Maryland’ will be played on the sound speakers before the Middle Jewel gets underway. After the race, visitors can also get as close as possible to the Old Clubhouse to see the painting of the colors.
This is where the winning silks colors will be added to officially celebrate this year’s Preakness winner.
Will The Kentucky Derby Winner Run in the Preakness Stakes?
History was made at the Kentucky Derby in 2026, as Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the opening leg of the Triple Crown.
However, DeVaux won’t become the first female to win the Triple Crown in 2026, as it has been announced that Golden Tempo won’t take his chance in the Preakness Stakes.
Instead, the Derby champion will take time to recover, and he will be pointed toward the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga at the start of June.
Which Horses Will Line Up in the Preakness Stakes?
For all those attending the Preakness Stakes, the main aim will be to try and find the winner of the Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown. There is set to be an untraditionally big field for the race in 2026, with over 15 runners looking likely to take their chance at Laurel Park.
Crude Velocity could be one of the most interesting contenders in the field after besting Englishman to land the G2 Pat Day Mile at Churchill Downs on the Derby undercard. Silent Tactic will be an interesting contender on the strength of his form after finishing second behind Derby runner-up Renegade in the Arkansas Derby.
Taj Mahal will also be an interest contender. The locally-trained runner has won on all three career starts, and was last seen dominating the Federico Tesio Stakes to win by just under ten lengths.
