Napoleon Solo captured the 151st running of the Preakness Stakes after producing a strong late charge to secure victory at Laurel Park in Maryland.
Ridden by jockey Paco Lopez, Napoleon Solo overtook early leader Taj Mahal in the final stretch and held off the challenge from Iron Honor to claim the prestigious Triple Crown race.
The 2026 edition of the Preakness Stakes was held at Laurel Park for the first time in history due to ongoing redevelopment work at the traditional venue, Pimlico Race Course. The race attracted significant attention despite the absence of Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo, whose connections opted to skip the event and focus on the Belmont Stakes.
Napoleon Solo entered the race as a 7-1 outsider but produced a composed and tactical run throughout the contest. Taj Mahal set the early pace before Napoleon Solo gradually moved into contention entering the final turn.
Trainer Chad Summers celebrated one of the biggest victories of his career, while jockey Paco Lopez described the triumph as his first major Triple Crown success.
The race also highlighted continuing debate around the modern Triple Crown schedule after another Kentucky Derby winner skipped the Preakness. Golden Tempo’s absence meant there would be no Triple Crown champion this year before the Belmont Stakes even began.
Only a handful of horses from the Kentucky Derby field returned for the Preakness, including Ocelli, Incredibolt and Robusta. However, Napoleon Solo’s powerful finish ultimately stole the spotlight in front of a packed Laurel Park crowd.
The Belmont Stakes, the final leg of the Triple Crown series, is scheduled to take place at Saratoga Race Course on June 6.
Discussion about this post