For the first time in 118 years, the Preakness Stakes—the legendary second jewel of horse racing's Triple Crown—will trade its iconic home at Pimlico Race Course for a new venue. In 2026, the race moves to Laurel Park, marking a historic shift that has fans and industry insiders buzzing.
Why the change? Pimlico, affectionately known as "Old Hilltop," is undergoing a massive $400 million redevelopment. After hosting the 150th Preakness Stakes, demolition and construction began on the Baltimore track that has been the race's home since 1908. The overhaul is long overdue—Pimlico's last major renovation was in the 1950s, and by 2019, some 7,000 grandstand seats were closed for safety reasons. The redevelopment promises a modernized facility, including a new hotel, event space, and a Thoroughbred training center at Shamrock Farm in nearby Woodbine, Maryland.
For 2026, the Preakness will be held at Laurel Park, located about 20 miles south of Pimlico, nestled between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. This is expected to be a one-year relocation before Pimlico reopens. However, the change comes with a more intimate setting: attendance will be capped at 4,800, and no fans will be allowed in the infield, a stark contrast to the sprawling crowds at Pimlico.
Adding another layer of intrigue, Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced last month that Laurel Park will be purchased for $48.5 million, with plans to transform it into a training facility after the 2026 Preakness. But a state legislative panel has delayed the purchase to study the long-term economic impact, leaving some uncertainty about the track's future.
This isn't the first time the Preakness has ventured beyond Pimlico. The race began there in 1873 but moved to Morris Park in the Bronx in 1890, took a hiatus from 1891 to 1893, and then found a home at Gravesend Racetrack in Brooklyn from 1894 to 1908. Pimlico reclaimed the race in 1909 and held it through 2025—making this year's move to Laurel Park a rare and historic moment in the sport.
Mark your calendars: the 2026 Preakness Stakes airs live on NBC and Peacock at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 16. Whether you're a lifelong racing fan or a newcomer drawn by the drama, this year's race promises to be one for the history books.