In BloodHorse's "At the Track" monthly column, we look at some of the unique experiences, events, ideas, or facilities that racetracks across the country are using to help improve experiences for fans and participants, new and old.
This month's column will be geared a little different, as it looks back at the unique experience the Preakness Stakes (G1) offered May 16 at Laurel Park.
There was much to debate when it came to the Preakness being run at Laurel while Pimlico Race Course undergoes a more-than-needed reimagining. The 1/ST Racing version of the Maryland Jockey Club announced in late February that only 4,800 tickets would be sold to the middle jewel of the Triple Crown while held at the much smaller location 20 miles south. This marked 1/ST Racing's final year overseeing the Preakness, as next year. operation of the Preakness will shift to the "new" Maryland Jockey Club.
READ: 1/ST Racing Plans an Exclusive Preakness Experience
The limited ticket supply for a race in high demand saw ticket prices increase, with general admission beginning at $246 and Turfside Terrace seating up to $1,698.
"We wanted the largest capacity possible for the Preakness, but it is what it is and you have to provide a safe environment for your crowd," new Maryland Jockey Club president and general manager Bill Knauf told BloodHorse's Bob Ehalt a few days before the Preakness. "It's unfortunate but that's how many people fit into Laurel under this configuration with no infield access or a tunnel. Matching all the exterior hospitality room we had at Pimlico was the biggest challenge, because of the short stretch and smaller apron here at Laurel. Plus we couldn't go on the turns or the infield."
READ: Knauf, New MJC Optimistic About Preakness Future
Because of the limited capacity, the 2026 edition did not capture the same feeling of importance as a race that for many years trailed only the Kentucky Derby (G1) in attendance. The expectation that one was about to witness one of the three biggest races the United States has to offer was dimmed.
However, that did not mean the race day was not enjoyable. In fact, the limited crowd helped to make the entire day feel a lot more comfortable for those lucky enough to attend.
The day felt more like the excitement of a small track having their one day in the spotlight with its major race—which are often times the most entertaining race days to attend. It may have proven costly to get in the door, and lacked the typical party atmosphere of the Preakness, but the overwhelming sense of those in attendance was that it was a great day.
For the hardcore Preakness and racing fans, the chance to witness a historic edition of the race was an opportunity too good to pass up. That was definitely the case for Dale Hargrave of Newport News, Va., who attended his 40th Preakness Saturday.
"I think it's kind of cool being here," Hargrave said. "The first time, probably only time it's ever going to be here. Just like with (the Belmont Stakes) being at Saratoga, I've been there for, soon to be, all three."
The grandstand definitely could have fit more people in the indoor section, with really only the boxes and dining rooms being used, but the flip side of the coin would have been a more difficult crowd to navigate through. The 4,800 ended up being the perfect number to create a lively atmosphere, while still making it easy to navigate the rather thin apron viewing space and narrow ramp walkway to the paddock.
This also led to lines not getting backed up for food, wagering, restrooms, etc. Between what the facility already offered, and some added temporary options, management did a great job of supplying plenty of food and beverage options throughout. As an older facility, there were few restroom options—the entire first floor of the grandstand had only one—which likely was another reason to limit the crowd.
"It's kind of like a regular Preakness, except not as big and not as crowded. That's good," Hargrave said. "It's a nice venue. I haven't had any problems with the lines at all. At most tracks, you have a lot of places to buy booze, but if you want food the options are a lot more limited. Parking's been easy, getting out yesterday (Black-Eyed Susan day) was easy. People are friendly here, it's been a really nice experience."
Taylor Yelencsics attended his first Preakness Saturday at a track that has taken a special place in his heart since moving to Laurel, Md., about five years ago.
"It's definitely the most people I've ever seen at Laurel, even with the cap," Yelencsics said. "It was different with that many people, but it wasn't so crowded. You know they could have fit more people in there. Just compared to how I've heard it is at Pimlico, it was quiet. I was fine, but I know some people were hoping for more of a party. It is what it is."
Speaking about the pricing, Yelencsics said he has a friend who usually joins him in his trips to Laurel, but that she was unable to make it because of the high prices. Yelencsics himself said he already had committed in his mind to attending when it was first announced, and even when the cap was announced and the prices were on the higher side, he was willing to "take the bullet" for the once-in-a-lifetime experience.
"We knew about this way in advance, and I kind of settled on going to this in the fall last year," Yelencsics said. "I was going to be checking regularly for when these tickets go on sale because Day 1, I want to get tickets, especially when the news came out they were capping tickets. ... I still wanted to be there. For me, this was Laurel's last—not quite last run because it's not closing yet—but last grade 1 that's going to be hosted here."
That was another prevailing feeling throughout the weekend: that the Preakness was almost a way of celebrating and saying goodbye to Laurel Park, which is expected to cease racing operations and possibly become a training center once Pimlico reopens and takes over year-round racing for the state.
Yelencsics grew up with horses in western New York as his stepdad was a polo player and coach, leading to them following racing. Once his stepdad retired and gave away his horses, Yelencsics fell out of racing for several years. Recently, he's been deeper in his interest than ever before, in large part thanks to being able to attend Laurel.
"It's such a nice, cozy atmosphere most of the time," Yelencsics said. "I like that it has a lot of turf racing because I'm big into turf racing. I've been to a number of tracks. Laurel is an interesting experience with the closed grandstand, so I can go during the winter time. A lot of their big stakes races are in February. I really like the paddock, I think the paddock is really cool. It's just a charming track.
"I love Laurel, I'm going to miss it when it's gone. It's my home track for now anyways, so I'm going to enjoy it while it's still there."
Overall, the Preakness at Laurel was a fun one. Did it have the same feeling as the Preaknesses before it? No, it did not. But was it still a fun and exciting day of racing? Of course. The numbers also came back as good as they could. Despite hosting only 4,800 fans on-site compared to the 2025 total of 52,574, the race only saw a 1.2% dip in handle thanks to online wagering, according to figures reported by 1/ST Racing Saturday.
READ: All Things Considered, Strong Handle for Preakness
This year's Preakness was meant to be unique, and needed to be unique in order to get the Preakness back to it's level as not just a leading race, but a leading sporting event in this country a few years from now. Pimlico is set to host the Preakness again next year without construction fully completed. Knauf told Ehalt that attendance will be limited to the infield and possibly a portion of the apron adjacent to the under-construction building. The full structure should be ready for Preakness 153 in 2028.
Hargrave is looking forward to returning to his rail-side seats on Pimlico's apron for his 41st Preakness next year.
"As long as I get those same seats back, I'll be happy," Hargrave said. "I go back every year. It was kind of sad last year when I left knowing that was the last time I was at the old Pimlico, but I'm anxious to see what the new one would be like."
As for Yelencsics, he hopes to attend his first Pimlico Preakness next year after enjoying the event at Laurel, a track he will continue to cherish for as long as it is open.
"I know a lot of people were kind of down on it this year, but for me it was special because it was at my home track," Yelencsics said. "For most people it was probably a downgrade, but for me I was happy for it to be there."
