In a surprising turnaround at one of horse racing’s most prestigious events, Napoleon Solo captured the 151st Preakness Stakes after nearly being left out of the race entirely. The unexpected winner defied doubts, delivering a decisive performance that secured the second jewel of the U.S. Triple Crown.
The race was held at Laurel Park Racecourse, which temporarily hosted the Preakness due to ongoing renovations at its traditional home, Pimlico Race Course.
From Doubt to Decision: A Last-Minute Entry
Napoleon Solo’s journey to the Preakness was far from certain. After early-career success in 2025, the three-year-old horse struggled with two fifth-place finishes in early 2026, raising concerns about its form and stamina.
Following a disappointing run in the Wood Memorial Stakes, jockey Paco Lopez urged the horse’s connections—trainer Chad Summers and owner Al Gold—to reconsider their hesitation and enter the Preakness.
Despite doubts about whether the horse could handle the demanding 1 3/16-mile distance, Lopez believed in its untapped potential. That confidence ultimately proved decisive.
Race Day Breakthrough
In a competitive 14-horse field, where several leading contenders opted out, pre-race favorite Taj Mahal initially set the pace. However, as the race reached its final stretch, Napoleon Solo began closing the gap under Lopez’s ride.
With strong late acceleration, Napoleon Solo surged ahead near the grandstand and held off a challenge from another top contender, Iron Honor, to secure victory by a narrow but convincing margin.
The win earned the horse the iconic Woodlawn Vase trophy and a share of the $2 million purse, marking a major milestone for both horse and trainer.
Emotional Victory for Trainer Chad Summers
For trainer Chad Summers, the victory carried special meaning. After years of working across various roles in the racing industry—from horse care and writing to ownership and training—he had long sought a breakthrough at the Triple Crown level.
Summers described the win as the result of persistence through a difficult season marked by inconsistent performances and outside criticism. Despite early setbacks, he and his team remained committed to developing Napoleon Solo.
The trainer also credited Lopez for pushing the decision to enter the race, acknowledging the jockey’s pivotal role in the horse’s success.
Jockey Paco Lopez Delivers Career Milestone
Veteran jockey Paco Lopez added another major achievement to his record, securing one of the most important wins of his career. Known for his extensive experience and thousands of career victories, Lopez guided Napoleon Solo with patience before timing the decisive move in the final stretch.
His strategic ride proved essential in navigating a tightly contested race and overcoming stronger-favored competitors.
A Standout Moment in the Triple Crown Season
Napoleon Solo’s win reshapes the narrative of this year’s Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing season, which had entered the Preakness without a dominant favorite following absences from key Kentucky Derby finishers.
The victory also highlights the unpredictable nature of elite horse racing, where form, strategy, and confidence can redefine expectations in a matter of minutes.
Despite the celebration, the racing team’s focus quickly shifted back to upcoming events on the calendar, underscoring the relentless pace of the sport.
