Napoleon Solo Wins Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park on May 17

Napoleon Solo won the Preakness Stakes at 7-1 odds, beating Taj Mahal who finished 10th. This is a big change from the favorite's performance.
By Newsroom | Horse Racing, Sports |

Napoleon Solo surged past early leader Taj Mahal in the final stretch to secure victory in the 151st Preakness Stakes, held Saturday at Laurel Park. The win marks a significant moment for trainer Chad Summers and jockey Paco Lopez, both achieving their first Triple Crown race win.

Napoleon Solo outlasts Taj Mahal to win Preakness Stakes - 1

Napoleon Solo, running at 10-1 odds before shifting to 7-1, overcame a deficit for the win. The horse had previously shown a fifth-place finish in the Wood Memorial. This victory sets the stage for potential participation in the Belmont Stakes on June 6 in Saratoga, New York.

Napoleon Solo outlasts Taj Mahal to win Preakness Stakes - 2

A Contested Race at a Different Venue

The Preakness Stakes, the middle jewel of horse racing's Triple Crown, saw Napoleon Solo outmaneuver Iron Honor in a close finish. Taj Mahal, the morning line favorite at 9-2, faltered significantly, finishing 10th and more than 13 lengths behind the winner. The performance of Taj Mahal has been met with commentary suggesting a potentially overhyped gambit, especially given the short distance from the gate to the first turn at Laurel Park, a factor reportedly disadvantageous for front-running horses.

Read More: Preakness Stakes Today at Laurel Park Because Pimlico is Closed

Napoleon Solo outlasts Taj Mahal to win Preakness Stakes - 3

The race itself was moved from its traditional home at Pimlico Race Course, currently undergoing renovations, to Laurel Park. This shift in venue, coupled with a reduced attendance of just 4,800 spectators, contributed to a more subdued atmosphere compared to previous years.

Napoleon Solo outlasts Taj Mahal to win Preakness Stakes - 4

Broader Implications and Departures

The win by Napoleon Solo dashed the hopes of trainer Brittany Russell, who would have been the first female trainer to win the Preakness Stakes.

The event also marks the retirement of jockey Brothers, who is transitioning from a successful racing career.

Trainer Chad Summers expressed cautious optimism about Napoleon Solo's future, stating, "Everyone said he wasn’t as good as he was in the Champagne. We’ll find out the rest of the year.” This suggests that the horse's current form is still being evaluated for longer-term prospects in the Triple Crown series.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who won the 151st Preakness Stakes on Saturday, May 17?
Napoleon Solo won the 151st Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park on Saturday, May 17. He beat early leader Taj Mahal in the final stretch.
Q: What were the odds for Napoleon Solo at the Preakness Stakes?
Napoleon Solo's odds were 10-1 before the race, but they shifted to 7-1 by the start. He overcame this to win the race.
Q: Why was the Preakness Stakes held at Laurel Park instead of Pimlico?
The Preakness Stakes was moved to Laurel Park because Pimlico Race Course is currently undergoing renovations. This is a temporary change for this year's race.
Q: What happened to the favorite, Taj Mahal, in the Preakness Stakes?
Taj Mahal, who was the morning line favorite at 9-2, did not perform well and finished 10th, more than 13 lengths behind the winner Napoleon Solo.
Q: What does Napoleon Solo's win mean for the Triple Crown series?
Napoleon Solo's victory sets the stage for potential participation in the Belmont Stakes on June 6 in Saratoga, New York. His trainer is evaluating his form for future races.