The excitement is building for the 151st running of the Preakness Stakes as horse racing fans prepare for one of the biggest events on the Triple Crown calendar. The second jewel of the Triple Crown series will take place this weekend at Laurel Park, featuring a competitive field of talented contenders and experienced jockeys ready to battle for glory.
Although anticipation remains high, this year’s race will move forward without Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo. The absence of the Derby champion officially means there will be no Triple Crown winner in 2026. Connections of Golden Tempo have reportedly decided to skip the Preakness Stakes and focus instead on preparing for the Belmont Stakes later in June.
Even without the Derby winner, the 2026 Preakness Stakes still promises thrilling action, major rivalries, and a packed field capable of producing unforgettable moments. Fans across the United States and around the world will be closely watching the race as several rising stars attempt to claim one of horse racing’s most prestigious titles.
2026 Preakness Stakes Race Details
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Race | 151st Preakness Stakes |
| Date | Saturday, May 16, 2026 |
| Approximate Time | 6:50 p.m. ET |
| Venue | Laurel Park |
| Location | Laurel, Maryland |
The Preakness Stakes is known for its electric atmosphere, passionate horse racing fans, and dramatic finishes. Post position can sometimes influence race strategy, but experienced jockeys often make the biggest difference during the final stretch. With a balanced field this year, strategy and timing may determine the winner.
Confirmed Preakness Stakes 2026 Post Positions
Below is the confirmed list of horses and jockeys for the 2026 Preakness Stakes. Horses are listed by official post position.
| Post Position | Horse | Jockey |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taj Mahal | Sheldon Russell |
| 2 | Ocelli | Tyler Gaffalione |
| 3 | Crupper | Junior Alvarado |
| 4 | Robusta | Rafael Bejarano |
| 5 | Talkin | Irad Ortiz Jr. |
| 6 | Chip Honcho | Jose Ortiz |
| 7 | The Hell We Did | Luis Saez |
| 8 | Bull By The Horns | Micah Husbands |
| 9 | Iron Honor | Flavien Prat |
| 10 | Napoleon Solo | Paco Lopez |
| 11 | Corona De Oro | John Velazquez |
| 12 | Incredibolt | Jaime Torres |
| 13 | Great White | Alex Achard |
| 14 | Pretty Boy Miah | Ricardo Santana Jr. |
Horses to Watch in the 2026 Preakness Stakes
Several horses enter the race with strong momentum and experienced riders. Iron Honor has attracted major attention with Flavien Prat aboard, while Taj Mahal and Chip Honcho are also viewed as serious contenders heading into race day.
Fans will also be watching Talkin with Irad Ortiz Jr. and Napoleon Solo with Paco Lopez, two pairings capable of producing a late surge in the final stretch. With a wide-open field and no Derby champion competing, the opportunity is there for a new star to emerge on one of racing’s biggest stages.
The 2026 Preakness Stakes is expected to deliver another unforgettable chapter in Triple Crown history as thousands of fans gather at Laurel Park for one of the most anticipated horse racing weekends of the year.