The roar of the crowd at Pimlico Race Course is just days away, as the second jewel of horse racing's Triple Crown—the Preakness Stakes—gallops into view. While the Kentucky Derby may have already crowned a champion, the excitement in Maryland is electric, and so is the prize money.

Golden Tempo stunned the field at Churchill Downs, securing a massive $3.1 million payday. But that victory comes with a price: the star horse will sit out the Preakness to rest and prepare for the Belmont Stakes. That leaves the door wide open for a new contender to claim glory—and a hefty paycheck—in Baltimore.

So, just how much cash is up for grabs? The total purse for the 2026 Preakness Stakes is a cool $2 million, matching last year's figure and keeping pace with the Belmont Stakes. While it's less than the Derby's $5 million prize pool, it's still a life-changing sum for any horse, jockey, or trainer.

Here's the payout breakdown for the top five finishers:

The winner takes home the lion's share: 60% of the purse, which comes out to a staggering $1.2 million. That's enough to make any stable owner smile.

Second place isn't too shabby either, earning $400,000 for a strong run.

The remaining prize money scales down through the top five, with third, fourth, and fifth place collecting their respective shares—down to $60,000 for fifth. It's a reminder that in the world of Thoroughbred racing, every stride counts.

Whether you're a seasoned racing fan or just tuning in for the fashion and pageantry, the Preakness Stakes promises high stakes, heart-pounding action, and a winner's circle moment that's worth every penny. Stay tuned—this race is just getting started.