Horse dies after race in lead-up to Preakness Stakes: reports
Eric LarsenA thoroughbred race horse died after the first race of the day May 15 at Laurel Park outside of Baltimore ahead of the 2026 Preakness Stakes, according to multiple reports.
The Baltimore Sun reports that Hit Zero, a 3-year-old colt trained by Brittany Rusell and owned by ItsTheJHoLL, LLC and Evan Trommer, died after the day's first race. According to the Maryland Racing Commission, a necropsy will be conducted to determine the horse's cause of death.
"We recognize the significance of this loss and are committed to conducting a thorough, transparent process," the commission said in a written statement.
Thoroughbred Daily News reports that Hit Zero was a first-time starter racing in the first race of the day's Black-Eyed Susan program.
2026 Preakness Stakes post postions, odds:
Horses and odds are listed by post position, via CBS Sports:
- Taj Mahal | early odds: 5-1
- Ocelli | early odds: 6-1
- Crupper | early odds: 30-1
- Robusta | early odds: 30-1
- Talkin | early odds: 20-1
- Chip Honcho | early odds: 5-1
- The Hell We Did | early odds: 15-1
- Bull By The Horns | early odds: 30-1
- Iron Honor | early odds: 9-2
- Napoleon Solo | early odds: 8-1
- Corona De Oro | early odds: 30-1
- Incredibolt | early odds: 5-1
- Great White | early odds: 15-1
- Pretty Boy Miah | early odds: 15-1
When is 2026 Preakness Stakes?
The 151st Preakness Stakes is scheduled for May 16 at Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland. Fans can watch the Preakness Stakes on NBC and USA Network, with streaming options on Peacock.
- Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
- Time: Approx. 6:50 p.m. ET
- TV: NBC, USA Network
- Stream: Peacock
- Location: Laurel Park (Laurel, Maryland)
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