In a thrilling Preakness Stakes held at Laurel Park, Maryland, Napoleon Solo emerged victorious, defeating Iron Honor by 1¼ lengths. This win marks a significant rebound for Napoleon Solo, who had struggled earlier in the year with two fifth-place finishes. The race, which featured a wide-open field of 14 horses, was notably affected by the absence of Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo and was conducted in a subdued atmosphere due to renovations at Pimlico Race Course. Trainer Chad Summers and jockey Paco Lopez celebrated their first victory in a Triple Crown race, with Napoleon Solo paying $17.80 on a $2 bet. Iron Honor, who started as the morning line favorite, ultimately finished second, while Chip Honcho took third. The event's attendance was limited to 4,800, reflecting ongoing restrictions. Summers acknowledged the skepticism surrounding Napoleon Solo's earlier performances, stating, “All year long, fifth place, fifth place. Everyone said he wasn't as good as he was in the Champagne.”