Napoleon Solo Wins 151st Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park
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Napoleon Solo, ridden by jockey Paco Lopez, won the 151st Preakness Stakes on Saturday. The victory marks the first Triple Crown race win for both Lopez and trainer Chad Summers. The race was held at Laurel Park in Maryland while Pimlico in Baltimore is being rebuilt.
Facts First
- Napoleon Solo won the Preakness Stakes after passing early leader Taj Mahal near the top of the stretch.
- The win is a first Triple Crown race victory for jockey Paco Lopez and trainer Chad Summers.
- The race was held at Laurel Park because the traditional venue, Pimlico in Baltimore, is under reconstruction.
- The field of 14 horses was the largest since 2011, with Taj Mahal as the top betting choice at 9-2 odds.
- A Triple Crown is not possible this year as Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo did not run in the Preakness.
What Happened
Paco Lopez, riding Napoleon Solo, won the 151st running of the Preakness Stakes on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Laurel Park in Laurel, Md. Napoleon Solo, at 7-1 odds, passed early leader Taj Mahal near the top of the stretch to win the race. Iron Honor finished 1 1/4 lengths behind in second place, with Chip Honcho finishing third. The field consisted of 14 horses, the maximum allowed and the largest since 2011. The race was held at Laurel Park because Pimlico in Baltimore is being rebuilt.
Why this Matters to You
If you placed a bet on Napoleon Solo, you would have received $17.80 on a $2 wager. The race's temporary relocation to Laurel Park may have affected your travel plans or viewing experience if you are a regular attendee. The capped attendance of 4,800 likely made tickets more exclusive than in previous years. For fans of horse racing, the result keeps the narrative of the Triple Crown season open, as a different horse won the second leg.
What's Next
The focus of the horse racing season now shifts to the final leg of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes. Napoleon Solo's connections may decide to enter that race, which could set up a compelling storyline. The Preakness is scheduled to return to its traditional home at Pimlico once the reconstruction project is complete.