Trainer Brittany Russell and jockey Sheldon Russell are targeting a historic victory at the Preakness Stakes with their horse, Taj Mahal.

The partnership represents a significant push for gender equity in a male-dominated sport. A win would make Brittany Russell one of the few women to train a winner in a Triple Crown race.

The couple is preparing for the event at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. The Preakness Stakes is scheduled for May 2026 [1]. This race is one of the three events that comprise the Triple Crown [2].

Brittany Russell serves as the trainer, while her husband, Sheldon Russell, takes the role of jockey. Their collaboration combines the strategic preparation of the stable with the execution of the ride. This mutual support system allows them to manage the pressures of high-stakes racing both on and off the track.

Their efforts with Taj Mahal aim to break long-standing barriers for women in the industry. By competing at this level, the Russells are demonstrating the viability of husband-wife teams in professional horse racing. Their success is built on a foundation of shared goals, and professional synergy.

The Preakness Stakes remains a critical juncture for any horse seeking the Triple Crown title. For the Russells, the race is not only about the trophy but also about the visibility of female trainers in the sport's most prestigious events.

“A win would make Brittany Russell one of the few women to train a winner in a Triple Crown race.”

The pursuit of a Preakness Stakes victory by Brittany and Sheldon Russell highlights the evolving demographics of horse racing. As more women move into leadership roles as trainers, the success of a husband-wife team at the Triple Crown level underscores a shift toward more inclusive professional structures in the sport.