Napoleon Solo Wins Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park
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Napoleon Solo Wins Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park
The Preakness Stakes is a 1 3/16-mile dirt track horse race held annually around late May at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. Established in 1873, it’s the middle jewel in the coveted trilogy of races, preceded by the Kentucky Derby and followed by the Belmont Stakes. The event has a rich history, with the winner often touted as the favorite to take home the Triple Crown title.
In 1959, Napoleon Solo, a chestnut colt bred in Maryland by George P. March, pulled off an upset victory at the Preakness Stakes. Trained by George H. Whitworth and ridden by jockey Bill Shoemaker, Napoleon Solo faced stiff competition from eight other Thoroughbreds but emerged victorious at the finish line. This win marked the second time a horse from Maryland claimed the Preakness title.
Laurel Park, a smaller track in Baltimore, offers an exciting racing experience despite its size. The one-mile dirt oval and seven-eighths of a mile turf course provide opportunities for Thoroughbreds to showcase their skills. On the day of Napoleon Solo’s win, pleasant weather conditions allowed spectators to enjoy the afternoon race without interruption.
Trainer Frank “Salty” Smith was at odds with George H. Whitworth over Napoleon Solo’s training regimen, while owner W.B. Finch had high hopes for the chestnut colt. Jockey Bill Shoemaker, who guided Napoleon Solo to victory, went on to have a storied career in horse racing.
Napoleon Solo’s win significantly impacted American Thoroughbred racing, particularly for Maryland-bred horses. The event marked the second time they’d claimed the Preakness title in the 1950s and contributed to increased popularity of the breed. Many believed that a Maryland-bred had the potential to take home future Triple Crown titles.
Laurel Park is open year-round for racing events, but its most famous is undoubtedly the Preakness Stakes. Visitors looking to experience horse racing at Laurel Park can expect a lively atmosphere. Weather conditions dictate what to wear, with lighter attire recommended during warmer months and layers for colder weather.
Beyond the track lies the vibrant city of Baltimore, offering plenty of attractions and experiences that extend far beyond its famous Preakness Stakes. The iconic Inner Harbor waterfront area, National Aquarium, and stunning views from the top of the Francis Scott Key Bridge are just a few of the many things to do and see.
Reader Views
- MJMara J. · long-term traveler
It's time to stop romanticizing regional tracks as saviors of racing. Laurel Park's Preakness win may be a thrilling upset, but it also highlights the chronic neglect of larger venues like Pimlico. These renovation woes are not just about construction delays or financial constraints – they're a symptom of a deeper issue: the industry's failure to invest in its core infrastructure. Until we address this, regional tracks will continue to serve as Band-Aids rather than solutions.
- TCThe Compass Desk · editorial
The Preakness at Laurel Park may be more than just a one-off experiment - it's a harbinger of change in the racing landscape. Regional tracks are stepping up to host major events, and larger venues like Pimlico will need to adapt if they want to stay relevant. The question is: can these smaller tracks sustain high-profile events without compromising their own identities? Napoleon Solo's win at Laurel Park is a double-edged sword - while it brings much-needed excitement to the circuit, it also puts pressure on Pimlico and its counterparts to innovate or risk becoming relics of the past.
- IRIván R. · tour guide
One thing that got lost in the excitement of Napoleon Solo's win is the impact on smaller trainers like Chad Summers who don't have the luxury of big-name connections or unlimited resources. His victory will hopefully open more doors for them to compete at the highest level without being stifled by budget constraints or lack of experience. It'll be interesting to see how his stable adapts and takes advantage of this momentum, potentially paving the way for a new generation of trainers to shake up the racing scene.