Napoleon Solo Wins the Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park, Defeating Iron Honor

Napoleon Solo claimed victory in the Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park, holding off Iron Honor by 1 1/4 lengths. This marked his first win of the year after two fifth-place finishes in earlier races. With Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo absent, the race featured a competitive field of 14 horses. Taj Mahal initially led the race but was overtaken by Napoleon Solo near the stretch. Iron Honor challenged late but ultimately finished second. The event had a subdued atmosphere due to attendance being capped at 4,800. Trainer Chad Summers and jockey Paco Lopez celebrated their first Triple Crown race win. Napoleon Solo, who had won the Champagne Stakes last year, paid $17.80 on a $2 bet. Other notable horses, including Ocelli, Incredibolt, and Robusta, finished further back. This Preakness was held at Laurel Park because Pimlico is undergoing reconstruction. The victory positions Napoleon Solo as a horse to watch for the rest of the racing season.