Laurel Park to Host Preakness 151, City Launches Saddle Up Campaign

Laurel Park is set to host Preakness 151 on Saturday, May 16, 2026, and the City of Laurel wasted no time mobilizing around it. A press release issued March 10 announced both the hosting confirmation and a new citywide initiative, "Saddle Up, Laurel!", designed to bring local businesses, community groups, and residents together around the marquee Maryland racing event.

The campaign signals an intentional push by city leadership to treat the Preakness not simply as a horse race happening nearby, but as a civic moment for Laurel itself. By branding and coordinating the community response under a single campaign name, the city is positioning Laurel Park's turn in the spotlight as an opportunity for local economic activity and community pride to run alongside the thoroughbreds.

Details on specific business partnerships, event programming, and resident participation opportunities under the "Saddle Up, Laurel!" umbrella had not yet been released as of the announcement. The city's March 10 press release framed the campaign as a coordination effort, suggesting further details are forthcoming in the weeks leading up to the May 16 race date.

Preakness 151 will mark a significant moment for Laurel Park, the Prince George's County facility that has long served as a working track in the Maryland racing circuit. Hosting the second jewel of the Triple Crown elevates its profile considerably beyond its regular racing calendar.

With just over two months until post time, the city's early launch of the "Saddle Up, Laurel!" campaign gives organizers a running start.