Triple Crown’s second jewel will temporarily relocate as Baltimore’s historic racecourse undergoes $14.3 million modernization.
The Preakness Stakes, the second leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown, will be held at Laurel Park in 2026 while Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore undergoes a major reconstruction.
As one of the world’s most prestigious horse racing events, the Preakness attracts widespread betting interest — especially among international fans. Global audiences often follow races like this through the best foreign betting sites, which offer odds, insights, and streaming across borders.
The decision ensures that the Triple Crown calendar remains uninterrupted as Pimlico embarks on a $14.3 million renovation project that includes a rebuilt grandstand, updated racing surface, and modernized fan infrastructure. Construction is expected to begin shortly after the 2025 edition of the race and finish ahead of its return in 2027.
The 2026 relocation marks the first time in over a century that the Preakness Stakes will not be run at Pimlico. Since its inaugural running in 1873, the event has been held in Baltimore nearly every year, becoming a central part of the city’s sporting identity.
The only prior deviations occurred in the 1890s and early 1900s, making the upcoming move to Laurel Park historically significant.
Located approximately 25 miles southwest of Baltimore, Laurel Park has been a staple of Maryland racing since 1911 and has the infrastructure to accommodate large race-day crowds. The venue has hosted multiple Grade I and Grade II stakes and is fully owned by the Maryland Jockey Club, which also operates Pimlico.
While smaller than Pimlico in grandstand capacity, Laurel Park’s layout, accessibility from Washington D.C. and Baltimore, and existing broadcast capabilities make it the most viable temporary venue.
The Pimlico overhaul is part of a broader redevelopment initiative under the Racing and Community Development Act of 2020, with an estimated total investment exceeding $375 million across both tracks. Specific to Pimlico, the plan includes:
The project aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Triple Crown in Maryland while enhancing the experience for fans, jockeys, and owners. As attention builds toward the 2026 event at Laurel Park, many U.S. racing enthusiasts are expected to follow the action via the best online sports betting sites, which continue to expand their coverage of high-profile horse racing fixtures.
Established in 1873, the Preakness Stakes traditionally runs on the third Saturday in May, two weeks after the Kentucky Derby and three weeks before the Belmont Stakes. It has become one of American racing’s most prestigious events, drawing over 100,000 spectators in typical years.
|
Year |
Venue |
Notes |
|
2025 |
Pimlico |
Last race before renovation begins |
|
2026 |
Laurel Park |
Temporary host during construction |
|
2027 |
Pimlico |
Reopening with fully renovated facilities |
Additional details on the 2026 event, including ticketing, capacity limits, and hospitality, will be released by the Maryland Jockey Club closer to the event.
