The 2026 Preakness Stakes is shaping up to be one for the history books. As the second jewel in horse racing's Triple Crown, it usually follows the Kentucky Derby and leads into the Belmont Stakes—but this year, everything is a little different.

For the first time in over a century, the Preakness won't be held at the iconic Pimlico Race Course. Instead, the 151st running takes place at Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland, while Pimlico undergoes a major facility upgrade. The legendary track is expected to reopen in time for the 2027 race.

This year's field is also turning heads for who's not running. Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo is sitting out, along with another fan favorite, Crude Velocity. Both trainers have opted to rest their horses and focus on the upcoming Belmont Stakes in June. That leaves the door wide open for a new star to emerge at Laurel Park.

When and Where to Watch
The race goes off on Saturday, May 16, at 4 p.m. ET, with televised coverage starting at 1 p.m. ET. You can catch all the action live on NBC, or stream it on Peacock. If you're cutting the cord, services like DirecTV and YouTube TV also carry NBC—perfect for sports fans who want year-round access to races, games, and more.

Going to the Track?
Tickets for this year's Preakness at Laurel Park are still available. It's a rare chance to see history made at a new venue, so if you're a racing fan, this is one to mark on your calendar.

Whether you're watching from home or heading to the track, get ready for a wide-open race that could crown the next Triple Crown contender. And don't forget to gear up in your best Derby-day style—because even at a new track, the fashion and excitement are timeless.