Full Breakdown
Brittany Russell Aims for Historic Preakness Victory with Taj Mahal
5/16/2026, 12:13:08 AM
Historic Preakness Bid by a Female Trainer
Brittany Russell entered her unbeaten three-year-old colt Taj Mahal in the 151st running of the Preakness Stakes on May 18, 2024, at Laurel Park in Maryland. A win would make Russell the first woman to capture the Preakness and complete a Triple Crown sweep of victories by female trainers, following Cherie DeVaux’s Kentucky Derby triumph and Jenna Antonucci’s Belmont win.
Recent Milestones for Women in the Triple Crown
In the past two years, female trainers have broken new ground in each leg of the U.S. Triple Crown. Cherie DeVaux trained Golden Tempo to a Kentucky Derby victory, while Jenna Antonucci guided Arcangelo to a Belmont win. Russell’s entry represents the next step in that progression, offering the possibility of a historic first for the Preakness.
Key Figures & Groups
The main participants are trainer Brittany Russell, her husband Sheldon Russell—who previously rode in the Preakness in 2011, 2020 and 2023—and the unbeaten colt Taj Mahal, plus Maryland Jockey Club President Bill Knauf.
Data & Statistics
Field size: 14 horses, a “wide-open” field. Odds: Taj Mahal opened at 5-1, second only to favorite Iron Honor. Record: 3-0, highlighted by an eight-length Federico Tesio Stakes win on April 18. Venue: First Preakness at Laurel Park, Russell’s home track, offering a home-track advantage.
Official Statements & Responses
Russell said the chance feels like a fairy-tale, noting the pressure but emphasizing its career significance. Sheldon Russell called the day routine while acknowledging its historic potential. Maryland Jockey Club President Bill Knauf praised the horse’s dominant run and called Russell one of the nation’s top trainers. Russell also noted the advantage of the horse, jockey and track being familiar with each other.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It would sort of feel probably a little fairy-tale-like,” — Brittany Russell, Trainer
- “Just like a normal day, really.” — Sheldon Russell, Jockey
- “To have Brittany as our leading trainer for many years now here, she’s obviously one of the best in the country, and Sheldon has done an unbelievable job.” — Bill Knauf, President & CEO, Maryland Jockey Club
- “Now, look, does everything go to plan? Is everything always perfect? No, and it can be a little tricky. But at the end of the day, it’s horse racing and some things are out of our control. In this particular instance, I think it’s great. He knows the horse. He’s won on it three times. He knows the racetrack better than anybody. I think it’s a good thing.” — Brittany Russell, Trainer
What’s Next
The Preakness Stakes will take place on Saturday, May 18, 2024. A victory would secure Russell’s place in racing history.
