The 2026 Preakness Stakes will proceed without Kentucky Derby champion Golden Tempo, as trainer Cherie DeVaux announced the horse will skip the race to focus on the Belmont Stakes on June 6. This decision effectively ends any chance of a Triple Crown this year. The 151st Preakness Stakes will be held at Laurel Park in Maryland, replacing the traditional Pimlico Race Course, which is undergoing renovations.
Fourteen 3-year-old horses will compete for a $2 million purse on Saturday, May 16, at 6:50 p.m. ET. The race will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock, with live coverage beginning at 1 p.m. ET. Iron Honor is the morning-line favorite at 9-2 odds, while Taj Mahal (5-1) and Incredibolt (5-1) are also top contenders. Taj Mahal, undefeated at Laurel Park, starts from the rail (post position 1).
Ocelli, a closing horse with four consecutive strong Beyer speed figures, could benefit from a fast early pace. The race will be run on a 1 3/16-mile dirt track.
The weekend began tragically when Hit Zero, a favorite in an earlier race, collapsed and died after finishing last. The incident has raised concerns about horse safety in the sport.