PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. (7News) — Some of the top racehorses in the country are heading to Maryland on May 16 for the second part of their journey to the Triple Crown – the Preakness Stakes.
This year’s race, traditionally held at Baltimore’s Pimlico Race Course, will instead be held roughly 28 miles away at Laurel Park in Prince George’s County. County leaders said they are ready for the legendary race and hope to highlight some horse racing history.
Because it’s so close to us, we decided we’re going to celebrate it in a big way,” said Sheila Curry, Chair of the Maryland Horse Industry Board. “We are going to have restaurants that are going to be serving the black-eyed susan cocktails, having Preakness-themed dinners…”
MAY 2026 – The 151st running of the Preakness Stakes is happening at the historic Laurel Park in Maryland. 7News Drone flew over the area ahead of the big race. (Mike Rudd/7News)
Curry added that the National Harbor will also show the roughly three-minute, mile-long race on the big screen.
The Pimlico course has undergone renovation work since July 2025 and is expected to reopen by the 2027 race.
Laurel Park, which was purchased for nearly $50 million by the state of Maryland in January, is expected to also undergo redevelopment into a horse training facility.
The nearby town of Bowie, Md., is considered the birthplace of thoroughbred horse racing.
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