Preakness Stakes 2026: Key Highlights and Taj Mahal's Performance
Preakness Derby finishing order: Who won at Laurel Park? Where did Taj Mahal finish?
Image: Hindustan Times
The 151st Preakness Stakes took place at Laurel Park, Maryland, for the first time since 1908, amid a quieter atmosphere with a limited crowd. Hometown favorite Taj Mahal, trained by Brittany Russell, was a contender due to his previous victories at Laurel, but the finishing order remains to be determined.
- 01The Preakness Stakes was relocated to Laurel Park due to redevelopment at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.
- 02Attendance was limited to 4,800 fans, creating a quieter atmosphere compared to previous years.
- 03Taj Mahal was the 5-1 morning-line favorite, having won all three of his previous races at Laurel Park.
- 04Jockey Sheldon Russell noted that Taj Mahal's prior experience on the track could provide a significant advantage.
- 05The race featured an unpredictable field after Golden Tempo's withdrawal, which left several contenders like Iron Honor and Chip Honcho.
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The 151st edition of the Preakness Stakes marked a historic shift as the race was held at Laurel Park, Maryland, for the first time since 1908, while Pimlico Race Course undergoes redevelopment. This year’s event featured a capped attendance of 4,800 fans, creating a quieter atmosphere compared to the traditionally lively Preakness crowd. Among the notable contenders was Taj Mahal, who opened as the 5-1 morning-line favorite and had the unique advantage of winning all three of his previous races at Laurel Park. Trained by Brittany Russell, Taj Mahal's familiarity with the track was highlighted as a potential edge by both the trainer and jockey Sheldon Russell, who emphasized the importance of experience on the wider turns of Laurel. With the withdrawal of Golden Tempo, who was seen as a strong contender, the race became more unpredictable, featuring horses like Iron Honor and Chip Honcho as leading contenders. The finishing order of the race remains to be confirmed, adding to the intrigue of this year’s Preakness Stakes.
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The relocation of the Preakness Stakes to Laurel Park provides local businesses and fans with a unique opportunity to engage with the event, despite a reduced crowd size.
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