Preakness Stakes 2026 begins in Maryland with trainer-jockey couple By Maria
4 min read
 |
The 151st edition of the Preakness Stakes held this Saturday in Laurel Park marks the second stage of the Tríplice Coroa in horse racing. The race is scheduled to begin at 6:50 pm ET. The broadcast starts at 1pm on Peacock and continues on NBC Sports and Peacock from 4pm.
Devido to renovation works on Hipódromo from Pimlico, in Baltimore, the traditional track was temporarily transferred to Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland, before returning to Pimlico in 2027. The relocation of the race took on special relevance this year due to the confluence of stories surrounding the main candidates.
Brittany Russell could make history as the first female trainer to win
Cherie DeVaux paved the way by winning Kentucky Derby as the first female coach in the race’s history. Jena Antonucci also marked an epoch in 2023, beating Belmont Stakes with Arcangelo. Nenhuma coach, however, has conquered Preakness so far.
Brittany Russell competes for the prize with Taj Mahal and tries to break this record. Seu horse runs on a track that is not his first option, but Russell sees a concrete opportunity in the current circumstances. The scenario gains drama from the fact that her husband, Sheldon Russell, will be the jockey riding Taj Mahal.
“It would be like a fairy tale. Jena opened that door just a few years ago with Arcangelo, and Cherie got the win at Kentucky Derby. The fact that I feel like I have a real chance at Preakness here means a lot to me,” Brittany revealed to Associated Press. Se Taj Mahal wins, he will become the first Tríplice Coroa horse to be trained and ridden by a couple.
The couple who work together behind the scenes at the race
Sheldon Russell and Brittany Russell form a rare duo in the sport. Ele will be the jockey and she will be the trainer of Taj Mahal in this Saturday’s race. The professional partnership between husband and wife in one of the three biggest races in American equestrianism represents an unprecedented moment in the most prestigious competitions.
“The dream, the goal, was always to get a horse that would take us to one of the big races, and he kind of took us there,” Sheldon Russell told Associated Press. The experience of both in the sport provides a solid basis for the attempt, even though they carry the weight of expectations.
Ocelli emerges as unlikely competitor after surprising Derby
Poucos days before Kentucky Derby, Ocelli was added to the contest at the last minute, after another horse withdrew. The initial odds of 70 to 1 reflected the underdog status in the overall competition. Surpreendentemente, the horse led in the final straight before being overtaken by Golden Tempo and Renegade, finishing third, just a length behind the winner.
Agora, weeks later, Ocelli runs Preakness while Derby’s top two finishers are left out. Suas odds are down to 6-1, elevating him to legitimate contender, although not the overall favorite. Especialistas point out his speed in the final straight as a strong point in Laurel Park, a track that favors this type of performance.
Ocelli has never won a race to date. If he finishes first this Saturday, he will make history as the first rookie to win the Preakness since 1888, creating an extraordinary narrative around his name.
The historic trophy and its transformation over the years
The Preakness trophy has significant origins in American equestrian history. In 1860, Tiffany & Co. created a silver trophy for Woodlawn Racing Association, known as Vaso Woodlawn. Approximately 90 centimeters tall and weighing around 14 kilos, it was given annually to the winner for almost a century.
The tradition changed in 1953. Naquele year, A.G. Vanderbilt beat Preakness with Native Dancer, and his wife declined the responsibility of guarding the monumental vase. In the 1980s, the original artifact was valued at US$1 million, highlighting its growing historical value.
Atualmente, the winner of Preakness receives a replica of the trophy, valued at a mere US$30,000, while the original remains on display in Baltimore’s museum. The decision protected artistic heritage, allowing the trophy to remain accessible to the public.
Transmissão and schedules to follow the competition
Live coverage begins at 1pm ET via Peacock. The broadcast continues on NBC Sports and Peacock starting at 4 p.m. The main race is scheduled for 6:50 pm at the same time.
Atualizações’s live feed of the race will be available throughout the broadcast, allowing equestrian fans to follow developments instantly. The top candidates and stories surrounding each horse will gain in-depth coverage as events unfold.
