Horse trainer Cherie DeVaux made history at the 152nd Kentucky Derby as the first female trainer ever to win the iconic race. And now it looks like another woman may take the top spot in the Preakness Stakes.
The second leg of the Triple Crown is set to go off on Saturday, May 16, at Laurel Park. While the Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo is sitting this one out, there’s another news-maker in sight.
This is the 151st Preakness, and in well over a century of racing, not one female trainer has taken a horse to victory. But that could all change. Even though DeVaux won the Kentucky Derby, trainer Brittany Russell could triumph at the Preakness.
Who Is Brittany Russell?
Let’s start with, who is Russell’s horse? The talented trainer is the pro behind Taj Mahal. Despite odds that pointed to Iron Honor as an early favorite, Taj Mahala, along with Incredibolt, and Chip Honcho, are also top picks.
Now back to Brittany. The former amateur racer competed between 2006 and 2017, and racked up two wins, per her bio from America’s Best Racing. Russell branched out in 2018, starting her own stable. Later that year, she won with Oh My at Laurel Park. And yes, that’s where the Preakness will be held in 2026 (the race’s traditional track, Pimlico, is currently under renovation).
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In 2020, Russell came into her own, winning 46 races and breaking the million-dollar mark in earnings. Her career skyrocketed from there, culminating in her Preakness debut.
Russell shared her thoughts on the possibility of a first-time win with NBC News prior to the race, “It would sort of feel probably a little fairy-tale-like.” She continued, “Jena opened the door just a couple years ago with Arcangelo, and Cherie got it done in the Kentucky Derby. The fact that I feel like I have a live one in the Preakness here, look, there’s some pressure and I certainly hope we can do it, but it would mean an awful lot.”
Of course, the Jena she’s referring to is Jena Antonucci, who in 2023 became the first female trainer to win the Belmont Stakes.
Who Are Brittany Russell’s Husband and Children?
Work-life balance has a distinct meaning for this trainer. Married to jockey Sheldon Russell, Brittany is also the mother of two young children: Six-year-old daughter Edy and four-year-old son Rye.
This year, the Preakness is a true family affair. Russell’s husband, Sheldon, won’t just watch the race; he’ll ride in it. That’s right, he’s jockeying his wife’s horse, Taj Mahal!
