Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Preakness Moves to Laurel Park, $2M Purse, $85M Sale

5/7/2026

36 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

**Churchill Downs Acquires**

The 2026 Preakness Stakes will be run at Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
The race will offer a $2 million purse.
Churchill Downs will acquire the Preakness Stakes for $85 million after the 2026 running.
Tickets for Black-Eyed Susan Day and Preakness Day sold out, leaving 4,800 tickets each.

Summary

**Taj Mahal Sleeper**

Analyst Demling rates Taj Mahal, a 20-1 longshot, as a leading sleeper pick for the 2026 Preakness Stakes.
The colt, out of Derby winner Nyquist, is 3-for-3 at Laurel Park on fast and muddy tracks.
He won the Federico Tesio on April 18, giving him rest before the May 16 Preakness.
Trainer Brittany Russell, Maryland’s top trainer in 2023 and 2024, conditions Taj Mahal.

1 of 2

**Churchill Downs Acquires**

The 2026 Preakness Stakes will be run at Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
The race will offer a $2 million purse.
Churchill Downs will acquire the Preakness Stakes for $85 million after the 2026 running.
Tickets for Black-Eyed Susan Day and Preakness Day sold out, leaving 4,800 tickets each.

1 / 2