Napoleon Solo captured the 151st Preakness Stakes on Saturday evening, defeating a 14-horse field in an 8-1 upset. The race took place at Laurel Park in Maryland, temporarily shifting away from Pimlico Race Course amid ongoing redevelopment projects that forced organizers to cap attendance at a strict 4,800 spectators.
The colt crossed the finish line shortly after the 7:01 p.m. post time, holding off the 9-2 morning-line favorite Iron Honor, who finished second. Chip Honcho secured third place. Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo did not enter the race, officially eliminating any possibility of a Triple Crown winner this season.
Organizers finalized an official starting lineup of 14 horses, making it the largest field for the event in 15 years. Jockey Paco Lopez and trainer Chad Summers guided Napoleon Solo to victory. The win marks Summers’ first entry and first victory in the event.
Napoleon Solo’s team, including owner Al Gold of the Gold Square stable, claimed $1.2 million of the race’s $2 million total purse. The horse entered the weekend following a rocky spring campaign, previously finishing fifth in both the Fountain of Youth Stakes and the Wood Memorial after dealing with physical discomfort and shoeing issues.
Trainer Brittany Russell also competed in the expanded field with Taj Mahal. She attempted to become the first female trainer to win the Preakness but fell short of the milestone.