What is the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes?
The George E. Mitchell Black-Eyed Susan Stakes is a Grade II Thoroughbred race for 3-year-old fillies contested at 1⅛ miles on the dirt at Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland. It is the distaff companion to the Preakness Stakes and one of three races informally known as the Filly Triple Crown, alongside the Kentucky Oaks and the Acorn Stakes. First run in 1919, the race has grown into one of the most prestigious spring tests for 3-year-old fillies in North America, with twenty-three winners going on to earn championship honors — including Hall of Famers Davona Dale, Gallorette, Royal Delta, Serena's Song, and Silverbulletday.
When is the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes in 2026?
The 102nd running of the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes is scheduled for Friday, May 15 at Laurel Park, the day before the 151st Preakness Stakes. The race is temporarily hosted at Laurel while its traditional home undergoes a $400 million renovation, making 2026 a uniquely historic edition of this classic race. With a $300,000 purse and six stakes worth $1 million on the card, Black-Eyed Susan Day at Laurel Park is one of the most important days on the spring racing calendar.
Black-Eyed Susan Stakes History & Notable Winners
The Black-Eyed Susan has a long tradition of producing surprise results. Margie's Intention overcame a 78-minute storm delay and a sloppy track to grind out a three-quarter-length victory in 1:52.05 for trainer Brad Cox and jockey Flavien Prat in 2025. Gun Song gave jockey John Velazquez a record fifth Black-Eyed Susan win in 2024, pulling away to a 3¼-length score in 1:51.39. Taxed produced an 11-1 upset in 2023 under Rafael Bejarano in 1:49.45, and Interstatedaydream posted a convincing 1¼-length score in 1:48.73 under Florent Geroux in 2022. Only one favorite has won the Black-Eyed Susan since 2005: Royal Delta in 2011.
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Margie's Intention | Flavien Prat | 1:52.05 |
| 2024 | Gun Song | John Velazquez | 1:51.39 |
| 2023 | Taxed | Rafael Bejarano | 1:49.45 |
| 2022 | Interstatedaydream | Florent Geroux | 1:48.73 |
| 2021 | Army Wife | Joel Rosario | 1:49.63 |
Last Updated on 05/11/2026
The Black-Eyed Susan Stakes is one of the most historic distaff races in American racing and the marquee event of Black-Eyed Susan Day each May.
