The 151st Preakness Stakes takes place Saturday, May 17, 2026 at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. All times Eastern (ET).
Multiple options — from morning works to the blanket of Black-Eyed Susans.
Live network broadcast from ~4:30 PM ET. The main race with full pre-race coverage — paddock walk, post parade, the processional, and expert commentary. Available on any TV with basic cable or an antenna. No subscription required.
Full-day streaming — all of Preakness Day. Peacock streams from first post through the main event, including the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes on Friday. Best option for cord-cutters or anyone who wants more than the two-hour NBC window.
Dedicated horse racing channel — Preakness Week coverage from Monday through Saturday, including morning works, prep races, and expert handicapping. Essential for serious bettors who want to watch every angle.
The Preakness has an international following, particularly in the UK and Ireland where horse racing is deeply embedded in the culture. Sky Sports covers major American Triple Crown races in the UK. Check local listings for regional broadcast partners. NBC Sports' international streaming may also be available via VPN for US expats. Peacock streaming availability varies by country.
Why the gate draw matters more here than you might think.
Pimlico's first turn comes up relatively quickly after the start — horses in the inside posts have a shorter path to the rail and can settle into a good position without fighting for ground. Post 1 has historically been one of the better draws at Pimlico, unlike at Churchill Downs where the inside in a large field can mean trouble.
With a smaller Preakness field (typically 8–12 horses versus the Derby's 20), the inside advantage is amplified. There simply isn't as much traffic to navigate through, and an inside horse that breaks cleanly can dictate the early pace.
The outermost positions add meaningful distance on the run to the first turn. A horse that needs to be near the pace but draws wide faces an early disadvantage. However, closers — horses that run from behind — often don't mind outside draws because they intend to track the field from a distance anyway.
Unlike the Kentucky Derby, where 20 horses create a traffic-heavy opening quarter-mile, the Preakness typically runs with 10 or fewer starters. This means fewer bumping incidents, cleaner trips, and a race that more often goes to the best horse rather than the luckiest. A horse that was compromised by a bad trip at Churchill Downs often gets a fair shake here.
Pimlico Race Course on Preakness Day is an experience unlike any other stakes race.
Pimlico draws a crowd of approximately 100,000 on Preakness Day — considerably smaller than Churchill Downs' Derby Day crowd, but more intimate for it. The track's grandstand has been rebuilt and renovated, offering modern amenities alongside the venue's deep history. Baltimore throws itself behind the Preakness with weeks of city-wide festivities leading up to the race.
The infield at Pimlico has its own legendary identity — somewhat wilder and more festival-like than Churchill Downs. It is packed throughout the day with fans who are as much there for the atmosphere as the racing. The proximity to the backstretch means you can hear the thunder of hooves in a way that grandstand seating doesn't always provide.
The Preakness has a strong fashion tradition of its own — hats and dressy attire are standard in the grandstands and premium areas. The "Infield Fest" has a more casual atmosphere. Mid-May in Baltimore can range from sunny and warm to cool and rainy — Maryland weather in spring is notoriously unpredictable. A light jacket or layers are always a sensible choice.
The Pimlico infield has evolved into a standalone concert and festival event, with live music acts performing throughout Preakness Day. The infield is accessed through a separate ticket — it has its own atmosphere, vendors, and entertainment entirely apart from the racing grandstands. For many attendees, the Infield Fest is the primary reason they come.
Pimlico Race Course is located in the Park Heights neighborhood of Baltimore — about 5 miles north of the Inner Harbor. Driving and parking are available but the volume of traffic makes public transit or rideshare a strong alternative. The Maryland Transit Administration typically runs additional service on Preakness Day. Plan for significant travel time in both directions on race day.
Pari-mutuel betting is available at windows throughout the grandstands and through licensed apps (TVG, FanDuel Racing, DraftKings Horse Racing). You must be 18 or older to wager. Most types of bets available for the Derby — win, place, show, exacta, trifecta, superfecta — are also available for the Preakness.