The Preakness Stakes will temporarily relocate from Pimlico Race Course to Laurel Park for its 151st running on May 16, 2026, marking the first venue change in over a century. This move is part of a $400 million redevelopment plan for Pimlico.
Key points
Preakness Stakes relocates to Laurel Park for the first time since 1909
The move is temporary during a $400 million renovation of Pimlico
The race will take place on May 16, 2026
Pimlico has been the primary home of the Preakness for 115 years
Churchill Downs acquired rights to the Preakness Stakes earlier this year
After more than 100 years at its longtime Baltimore home, theĀ Preakness StakesĀ is officially heading to a new racetrack for the first time in more than a century.
The iconic Maryland horse race, which has been nicknamed "the second jewel of the Triple Crown," will temporarily relocate fromĀ the Pimlico Race CourseĀ toĀ Laurel ParkĀ for its 151st running on May 16, as massive redevelopment efforts continue at Pimlico.
The move marks the first time since 1909 that the prestigious race will not be held at Pimlico, which has served as the eventās primary home for the past 115 years.
It is not, however, the first time that the race has been relocated. Though it was established at Pimlico in 1873, when it was named after a horse that had claimed victory in the track's inaugural race three years earlier, the Preakness moved to a new home in Westchester County after 16 years in Baltimore.
The race moved again in 1894, when it was held at a track in Brooklyn, where it remained until 1908, when its homecoming was finally announced. It returned to Pimlico in 1909, where it has been held ever since.
150th Preakness Stakes
After more than 150 years at its longtime Baltimore home, the Preakness Stakes is officially heading to a new racetrack for the first time in more than a century. (Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
While the latest venue shift is temporary, the change represents one of the most dramatic shakeups in modern Triple Crown history.
Maryland officials previously approved a sweeping redevelopment plan aimed at modernizing Pimlico through a roughly $400 million renovation project. It includes demolishing the aging grandstand and rebuilding large portions of the historic racetrack.
As construction ramps up, Laurel Park, which is located roughly 30 miles south of Baltimore, will serve as the temporary home for the nationally televised race.
The relocation is also expected to shine a major spotlight on Anne Arundel County, with local officials anticipating a significant economic boost tied to tourism, hospitality, and entertainment surrounding race weekend.
āWeāre really excited about the national attention that that will bring into our community,ā Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation President and CEO **Amy Gowan** told WMAR2 News. āAnd to be able to really convert that and translate that into local and economic impact.ā
The race itself remains one of the most prestigious events in U.S. horse racing.
The Preakness Stakes traditionally takes place two weeks after the Kentucky Derby and three weeks before the Belmont Stakes, attracting some of the sportās top 3-year-old thoroughbreds each year.
The iconic horse race, which has been nicknamed "the second jewel of the Triple Crown," will temporarily relocate from Pimlico Race Course to Laurel Park for its 151st running on May 16, 2026, as massive redevelopment efforts continue at Pimlico. (Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
The move marks the first time since 1908 that the prestigious race will not be held at Pimlico, which had served as the eventās primary home since 1909. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)
While the venue shift is temporary, the change represents one of the most dramatic shakeups in modern Triple Crown history. (Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
This yearās race, however, arrives amid significant transition for the sport overall.
Not only is the venue changing, but the future ownership structure of the Preakness brand is evolving as well.
Earlier this year,Ā Churchill Downs IncorporatedĀ announced an $85 million agreement to acquire the intellectual property rights to both the Preakness Stakes and the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes from 1/ST Racing.
The deal would effectively unite the first two legs of the Triple Crownāthe Kentucky Derby and the Preaknessāunder the same corporate umbrella for the first time.
The temporary move to Laurel Park could also affect the racing itself.
Industry analysts have noted that Laurelās track configuration differs significantly from Pimlicoās historic layout, potentially favoring horses and jockeys with more experience racing locally.
Despite the major venue shift, Maryland officials have repeatedly emphasized that the move is temporary, with plans for the Preakness to return to a newly rebuilt Pimlico in 2027.
Still, for longtime racing fans, the 2026 edition of the Preakness will mark the end of an era, and the beginning of a very different chapter for one of horse racingās most storied traditions.
Q&A
Why is the Preakness Stakes moving from Pimlico to Laurel Park?
The Preakness Stakes is relocating due to ongoing redevelopment efforts at Pimlico, which include a $400 million renovation project.
When will the Preakness Stakes take place at Laurel Park?
The Preakness Stakes will be held at Laurel Park on May 16, 2026.
What changes are being made to Pimlico Race Course?
Pimlico Race Course is undergoing a significant renovation that includes demolishing the aging grandstand and rebuilding large portions of the track.
How does the track configuration at Laurel Park differ from Pimlico?
Laurel Park's track configuration is notably different from Pimlico's historic layout, which may favor horses and jockeys with local racing experience.
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The iconic horse race, which has been nicknamed "the second jewel of the Triple Crown," will temporarily relocate from Pimlico Race Course to Laurel Park for its 151st running on May 16, 2026, as massive redevelopment efforts continue at Pimlico. (Patrick Smith/Getty Images)