The 151st running of the Preakness Stakes produced both a milestone moment for Laurel Park and a career-defining performance from Napoleon Solo, who rediscovered his best form to claim Saturday’s Grade 1 classic in front of a packed Maryland crowd.
For the first time in its long history, the Preakness Stakes was contested at Laurel Park rather than Pimlico Race Course, with redevelopment work continuing at Pimlico ahead of the race’s planned return there next year.
Preakness Stakes 2026 results.
Gold Square LLC’s Napoleon Solo arrived with questions surrounding his stamina after fading in both the Fountain of Youth Stakes and Wood Memorial earlier this season. Trainer Chad Summers, however, remained convinced the gray colt deserved another opportunity at a classic distance, and the son of Liam’s Map rewarded that faith in emphatic fashion.
Under an assured ride from Paco Lopez, Napoleon Solo stayed close to the pace throughout before asserting himself in the stretch to score by 1¼ lengths. The victory provided both Summers and Lopez with their first triumph in an American Triple Crown race.
Sent off at 7-1, Napoleon Solo became the fourth choice in the wagering but ran with the authority of a seasoned favourite. His performance also continued the promise he displayed at two, when he won both juvenile starts, highlighted by a dominant 6½-length success in the Champagne Stakes at Aqueduct.
The historic Preakness drew a full field of 14 three-year-olds, the largest since Shackleford defeated 13 rivals in 2011, adding further depth to an already memorable renewal.
Much of the pre-race attention centred on unbeaten colt Taj Mahal and Laurel-based trainer Brittany Russell, who was bidding to become the first woman to win the Preakness Stakes. Just two weeks after Cherie DeVaux’s Kentucky Derby breakthrough with Golden Tempo, another landmark seemed possible.
Taj Mahal broke sharply from the rail under jockey Sheldon Russell and quickly established the lead entering the first turn. Napoleon Solo tracked comfortably on the outside as the pair dictated the early tempo through an opening half-mile in 46.66 seconds.
Turning for home, Taj Mahal still held a narrow advantage, but Lopez had yet to fully ask Napoleon Solo for his effort. Once straightened into the stretch, the gray colt surged past the tiring leader and quickly put the race beyond doubt.
Iron Honor, ridden by Flavien Prat, closed strongly from midfield to finish second, 3¼ lengths ahead of Chip Honcho in third. Kentucky Derby outsider Ocelli once again finished late to take fourth after rallying from well back in the field.
Taj Mahal, unbeaten in three previous starts at Laurel Park, weakened late and crossed the line in 10th place.
Napoleon Solo completed the 1 3/16 miles in 1:58.69, giving Laurel Park a memorable first hosting of one of American racing’s most celebrated contests and placing his name firmly among the leading colts of the season.
The victory also renewed discussion around Napoleon Solo’s versatility, with the colt answering lingering doubts about his ability to stay beyond nine furlongs. Saturday’s performance suggested the gray may yet have more to offer as the summer racing calendar unfolds.
For Maryland racing fans, the temporary move of the Preakness Stakes to Laurel Park proved a successful and historic occasion, with strong attendance and an atmosphere fitting of a Triple Crown event.
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