Why Preakness 2026 at Laurel Park felt so special

PUBLISHED: May 17, 2026 | www.baltimoresun.com

There is something deeply special about attending the 151st running of the Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park rather than Pimlico. Tradition matters, certainly, and Pimlico’s history is woven into the soul of Maryland racing. But what unfolded at Laurel possessed an intimacy and energy that felt remarkably authentic and personal almost as though the sport had returned to its purest form.

The atmosphere was extraordinary.

The weather could not have been more perfect if it had been commissioned specifically for horse racing. A soft breeze moved through the grandstand. The sun settled gently over the track. Families, longtime bettors, owners, trainers, business leaders and first-time visitors gathered not simply for a sporting event, but for an experience deeply connected to Maryland’s heritage and identity.

And perhaps that is what stood out most at Laurel Park — the closeness.

At larger venues, greatness can sometimes feel distant, almost theatrical. Here, the horses felt closer. The thunder of hooves sounded louder. You could see the concentration in the jockeys’ eyes, hear the anticipation in the crowd, and feel the nervous excitement ripple through the paddock before each race.

This is horse racing as it was meant to be experienced.

There is an intimacy to Laurel that allows people to reconnect with the beauty of the sport itself, the elegance of the thoroughbreds, the discipline of the trainers, the courage of the jockeys and the emotional investment of owners who have sacrificed endlessly for a moment like this.

And when the gates finally opened for the 151st Preakness Stakes, it was Napoleon Solo who seized immortality, capturing one of racing’s most coveted crowns beneath beautiful Maryland skies.

For Maryland jockey Sheldon Russell and Taj Mahal, however, the afternoon carried the heartbreak that so often accompanies greatness in this sport, as dreams pursued with passion and sacrifice fell just short on one of racing’s grandest stages.

Among those in attendance were Gov. Wes Moore and First Lady Dawn Moore, Belinda Stronach — owner of Laurel Park and 1/ST BET, along with owners, trainers, civic leaders, and racing enthusiasts from across the country, all gathered to celebrate one of Maryland’s enduring treasures.

Belinda Stronach deserves enormous credit for her vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to preserving and strengthening horse racing in Maryland during a critical period of transition for the sport. Her continued investment in Laurel Park and her determination to ensure the Preakness remains vibrant and nationally relevant reflect a deep understanding that this race is not simply about wagering or entertainment; it is part of Maryland’s cultural identity and economic fabric.

Gov. Wes Moore and First Lady Dawn Moore also deserve recognition for their commitment to keeping the historic Preakness Stakes in Maryland. At a time when many states aggressively compete for marquee sporting events and economic engines, their determination to preserve this treasured institution sends an important message about protecting Maryland traditions, supporting jobs, tourism, and agriculture and ensuring future generations can continue to experience one of America’s great sporting spectacles right here at home.

As the crowd rose before the featured races, there was also something larger happening beyond the wagering and celebration. For a few hours, politics faded. Division faded. People from every background stood shoulder to shoulder, united by tradition, competition, hope and the timeless pursuit of greatness.

Maryland should be proud today.

The Preakness is not merely a race. It is an institution. It is part of the cultural fabric of this state and one of America’s enduring sporting treasures. And while the location may temporarily differ, the spirit remains fully intact.

In many ways, Laurel Park reminded us that horse racing does not depend solely on grand monuments or nostalgia. The soul of the sport lives in the people, the horses, the energy and the connection between them all.

And today, under these perfect skies and surrounded by this unmatched enthusiasm and intimacy, Laurel Park delivered a Preakness that Maryland and horse racing fans everywhere will not soon forget.

Armstrong Williams (www.armstrongwilliams.com; @arightside) is a political analyst, syndicated columnist and owner of the broadcasting company, Howard Stirk Holdings. He is also part owner of The Baltimore Sun.

Originally Published: May 16, 2026 at 9:01 PM ET

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