The countdown to the 2026 Preakness Stakes is officially on, and horse racing fans have a key date to circle: Saturday, May 9, when the post position draw will reveal where the contenders will line up for the middle jewel of the Triple Crown. This year’s draw is set to take place at Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland—the temporary home of the Preakness while Pimlico Race Course undergoes renovations—and it marks the moment when strategy and luck begin to collide.

Traditionally held on the third Saturday in May, the Preakness brings together the nation’s top 14 three-year-old thoroughbreds for a thrilling 1 3/16-mile test of speed and stamina. But this year’s race carries a bittersweet note: hopes for a Triple Crown winner have faded after Kentucky Derby champion Golden Tempo was withdrawn from the field. Trainer Cherie DeVaux of Cherie DeVaux Racing announced the decision earlier this week, putting the horse’s long-term health first.

"Golden gave us the race of a lifetime in the Kentucky Derby, and we believe the best decision for him moving forward is to give him a little more time to recover after such a tremendous effort," DeVaux said in a statement. "His health, happiness, and long-term future will always remain our top priority. We look forward to seeing him return to the track later this season, refreshed and ready to compete at his best."

While the absence of a Derby winner adds an extra layer of intrigue, the Preakness remains a showcase of equine excellence—and, of course, a celebration of style. Just as the Kentucky Derby dazzled with its iconic hats and fashion, the Preakness promises its own blend of sport and spectacle. Whether you’re following the post positions to plan your bets or simply enjoying the pageantry, May 9 is the day the race truly begins to take shape.