While the Kentucky Derby may be the most famous race on the U.S. horse racing schedule, it only forms the opening leg of the Triple Crown. Two weeks after the most-watched race in the U.S., the contenders travel to Pimlico in Maryland to compete in the Preakness Stakes.
The final leg of the Triple Crown sees the Belmont Stakes held, which will be run at Saratoga for the second straight year in 2025. The Preakness Stakes is one of the most lucrative races on the U.S. racing schedule, with the field competing for their share of the $2 million purse.
However, the winner takes home the majority of the prize money, as they land $1.2 million. But, who have been some of the richest winners of the race in recent memory?
National Treasure
National Treasure is one of the richest recent winners of the race for the Bob Baffert team. The son of Quality Road didn’t compete in the Kentucky Derby due to minor injuries, but he was fit enough to take his chance in the Preakness Stakes in 2023, eventually finishing a head clear of Blazing Sevens.
However, that would be his only Triple Crown success after later finishing sixth in the Belmont Stakes. But, he would later win big purses after winning the Pegasus World Cup and finishing fourth in the Saudi Cup. Overall, the Baffert-trained runner won over $5.5 million during his career.
Justify
The most recent Triple Crown winner was also a runner trained by Bob Baffert. Justify remain one of the most memorable winner of the Preakness Stakes, as he followed up on his win in the Kentucky Derby, before later landing the Belmont Stakes.
However, despite his victories on the biggest stage, and retiring with an unbeaten record, he only picked up prize money of just over $3 million. Despite this, he has become one of the most sought-after stallions following his retirement, and he has already helped produce winners of the 2,000 Guineas, Epsom Derby, and the Belmont Oaks.
Exaggerator
Keith Desormeaux’s most recent Preakness Stakes winner comes in the form of Exaggerator, who picked up over $3.5 million in prize money during his career. The must-loved runner was a star performer at two, winning the Saratoga Special and Delta Jackpot Stakes.
You can find more information about Preakness winners here: https://www.twinspires.com/preakness-stakes/winners/
However, his progression as a three-year-old was hugely impressive. After winning the Santa Anita Derby, he finished second to Nyquist in the Kentucky Derby. But, he reversed that form when winning the Preakness Stakes, before running below his best in the Belmont Stakes.
American Pharoah
One of richest racehorses on this list comes in the form of the 2015 Triple Crown winner, American Pharoah. The Bob Baffert-trained horse won a staggering $8.6 million during his career, winning nine of his eleven career starts. His 2015 season will live long in the memory, winning the Rebel Stakes and Arkansas Derby before dominating the Kentucky Derby.
He later landed success in the Preakness Stakes, before becoming a wire-to-wire winner in the Belmont Stakes. Victory in the Haskell was later achieved, before a shock defeat was inflicted in the Travers Stakes. However, he ended his career on a high, landing the Breeders’ Cup Classic in a track-record time at Keeneland.
California Chrome
The richest racehorse to have won the Preakness Stakes in recent history comes in the form of California Chrome for trainer Art Sherman. The much-loved horse was the star performer in the 2014 season, winning the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, before later being awarded the American Horse of the Year award.
In 2016, he became the all-time earnings leader after winning the Dubai World Cup, taking his prize money to over $14.7 million. As well as winning the illustrious race, he was also second in the 2015 edition. His 2016 season would see him achieve multiple wins at the highest level, including the Awesome Again Stakes, Pacific Classic, and San Diego Handicap.
Rachel Alexandra
One of the most famous recent winners of the Preakness Stakes came in 2009, as Horse of the Year, Rachel Alexandra, made history by becoming the first filly in 85 years to win the race at Pimlico. Her versatility made her one of the most consistent horses in the U.S., as he won races across six states. Rachel Alexandra won the Kentucky Oaks, before landing the Preakness.
Her dominance on track would continue after winning the Preakness, as she would record victories in the Haskell Invitational and Fleur de Lis Handicap. Her last start on track came in August 2010, as she finished second in the Personal Ensign. Her consistency was reflected based on her race record, as she only finished outside of the first two on her maiden in 19 career starts. Overall, she retired having won $3.5 million in prize money.
