Laurel Park in Maryland is the current stage for this year's Preakness Stakes, the second jewel in the Triple Crown series. This deviation from the traditional Pimlico Race Course stems from ongoing, extensive renovations at the historic Baltimore track, colloquially known as "Old Hilltop." The move to Laurel Park marks a significant, albeit temporary, shift for the 151st running of the race.
The spectacle unfolds Saturday, May 16th, with coverage commencing at 1 p.m. ET. The main event, the Preakness itself, is slated for a 7:01 p.m. ET post time, contested over a distance of 1 3/16 miles.
Broadcast & Streaming Access
This year's race is accessible across a fragmented media landscape, with a particular emphasis on streaming services for those eschewing traditional cable.
US Viewers:
NBC and Peacock will carry the primary broadcast beginning at 4 p.m. ET.
Telemundo offers coverage starting at 6:30 p.m. ET, with streams available on Telemundo.com and its app.
Undercard races and broader coverage are accessible via Peacock and NBCSN, starting from 1 p.m. ET.
Streaming options also extend to services like DIRECTV (with free trial offers mentioned) and YouTube TV.
For those outside standard broadcasting, some betting platforms like Bet365 and Stake.com offer live streaming for registered users, subject to geo-restrictions and account funding.
Canadian Viewers:
Fans in Canada can watch for free via Citytv, with streaming available through Citytv.com using provider login credentials.
Australian Viewers:
Horse racing enthusiasts in Australia have free access through the Racing.com TV channel and its website.
Contenders and Notes
The field is set, with Iron Honor emerging as an early favorite at 9-2 odds.
Read More: Man City Wins 8th FA Cup After Chelsea Fails to Score
"The Preakness will be over in the blink of an eye — here’s how to make sure you don’t miss it." - NY Post
The narrative also includes a potential historical first, with Brittany Russell aiming to become the first woman to train a Preakness champion. Adding to the day's intrigue, Brothers, a former jockey now in broadcasting, is retiring following this Saturday's race.
The absence of horse Golden Tempo from the Preakness lineup has, as noted by ESPN, revived discussions regarding the spacing between Triple Crown races.
Background
For 118 years, the Preakness Stakes was a fixture at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. Its relocation to Laurel Park, though a consequence of facility upgrades, interrupts a long-standing tradition. This year's race also marks the 151st edition of the event, a significant milestone in American horse racing. The media's proliferation of viewing options underscores a broader trend of audience fragmentation and the increasing reliance on digital platforms for live event consumption. The potential for VPN use, as suggested by services like NordVPN, further complicates the idea of a universally accessible broadcast.
Read More: Grant Buckley to ride in 7 races at Parkes Cup on Sunday
