The 151st Preakness Stakes belongs to Napoleon Solo.
Napoleon Solo was seen as one of the top candidates to win the race as the post time inched closer. The race began with local favorite Taj Mahal leading the way for most of the action, but the final turn outside saw Napoleon Solo take control all the way to the finish line.
Iron Honor came closest to challenging Napoleon Solo in the final stretch, but eventually settled for second. Chip Honcho finished third, while Taj Mahal fell all the way to a stunning 10th despite its promising start.
Napoleon Solo entered with 10-1 odds before shifting to 7-1. A win wasn’t seen as likely at first due to Napoleon Solo finishing in fifth in both of his starts this year, including the Wood Memorial.
Chad Summers trained Napoleon Solo and earned a win in his first career start at the Preakness. Paco Lopez, a 40-year-old jockey from Mexico, also earned his biggest victory yet.
The 151st running of the Preakness took place at Laurel Park in Maryland for the first time due to construction at the usual home of the race, Pimlico Race Course. The race will return to Pimlico next year.
