Latest News About Preakness 2026

Here’s what’s known about the 2026 Preakness as of now.

• Location and date: The 2026 Preakness Stakes is scheduled for May 16, 2026, and will be run at Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland, due to Pimlico Race Course undergoing renovations. This relocation marks a rare move in the race’s history.[1][2]
• Why the move: Pimlico is undergoing a $14.3 million renovation project that includes a rebuilt grandstand, updated racing surface, and enhanced fan facilities, with Pimlico slated to reopen in 2027.[1]
• Return plan: The plan publicly indicated is for the Preakness to return to Pimlico in 2027 after the renovations are completed.[1]
• Race details: The 2026 edition remains a Grade I race for three-year-olds at 1 3/16 miles, consistent with the traditional Preakness format.[2]

Additional context you might find useful

• Betting and previews: As the date approaches, racing outlets and betting sites will publish updated odds, field forecasts, and post-position analyses for the Laurel Park venue.[4][5]
• Historical notes: This is the first time since the 1890s-1900s that the Preakness will be held at a different track, making the 2026 race a notable exception in the event’s long history.[2]

If you’d like, I can pull the latest field, post positions, and early odds as the race nears, and summarize them in a quick chart. I can also provide a brief comparison of Pimlico’s renovations vs. Laurel Park’s facilities to give you a clearer picture of the venue switch. Would you like that?

Citations:

• Preakness relocation and 2027 return plan[1]
• 2026 race at Laurel Park and distance details[2]
• General updates and race context from Preakness official/news pages[4]