Brittany Russell is poised to make history at the Preakness Stakes—and this time, it's personal. Running at her home track, Laurel Park, for the first time in the race's 151-year history, the trainer is saddling Taj Mahal in Saturday's classic. But the story doesn't stop there: her husband, Sheldon Russell, is the jockey aboard. If they win, they'll become the first married couple to capture a Triple Crown race as trainer and jockey.

This potential milestone comes on the heels of a groundbreaking season for women in horse racing. Just two weeks ago, Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby with Golden Tempo, following Jenna Antonucci's historic Belmont Stakes victory with Arcangelo in 2023. A win by Russell would complete a Triple Crown sweep for female trainers—a feat that seemed unthinkable just a few years ago.

"It would feel a little fairytale-like," Brittany Russell said. "Jena opened the door, and Cherie got it done in the Derby. Now I have a live one in the Preakness at home. There's pressure, but it would mean an awful lot."

The Russells are no strangers to big moments. They took their young children—daughter Edy, 6, and son Rye, 4—to the Breeders' Cup at Del Mar in 2024, where Post Time finished second in a world championship race. This time, the family won't have to travel far. Laurel Park, just off I-95 between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., is their backyard.

"The dream was always to get a horse that would take us to one of the big races," Sheldon Russell said. "And he's taken us there. It feels like a normal day, really."

For the Russell family, Saturday isn't just about history—it's about home. And with Taj Mahal ready to run, they're hoping to add a new chapter to the sport's story.