Taj Mahal’s Trainer Brittany Russell Could Make History at 2026 Preakness

Undefeated colt Taj Mahal has quickly emerged as one of the most intriguing horses in this year’s Triple Crown season, and now he could help trainer Brittany Russell make racing history in the 151st Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park.

According to Blood Horse, Russell’s journey to this moment has been anything but traditional, and if Taj Mahal can deliver another victory on Saturday, Russell would be able to add “first female trainer to win Preakness Stakes” to her impressive horse-racing resume.

Brittany Russell’s Rise Through the Training Ranks

Growing up in Peach Bottom, Pennsylvania, she developed her love for horses while working on local farms and learning the sport from the ground level.

That passion first led her into the saddle as an amateur jockey, where she picked up two wins during a short riding career. However, training horses ultimately became her true calling.

Before launching her own stable, Russell sharpened her skills under several respected trainers, including Brad Cox, Ron Moquett, Jonathan Sheppard, and Jimmy Jerkens. Those experiences gave her a wide-ranging education in horsemanship, race preparation, and stable management, all of which have become trademarks of her own barn.

When Russell officially opened her operation in 2018, success came quickly. Her first starter, Oh My, won at Laurel Park, immediately signaling that she belonged among the sport’s top young trainers.

Over the next several years, her stable continued to grow, highlighted by graded stakes success and a reputation for patience and precision with developing horses.

Each morning at the barn remains centered around training schedules, track maintenance, veterinary evaluations, and the countless details required to prepare a horse for elite competition. Russell has consistently emphasized that the key is staying grounded rather than becoming distracted by outside expectations.

Taj Mahal Emerges as a Serious Preakness Contender

Taj Mahal, son of Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist, originally began his career in California but was later transferred east when ownership connections believed a change of scenery might unlock his potential. That decision has paid off in dramatic fashion.

According to Russell, Taj Mahal did not initially stand out when he first arrived in her barn. Rather than rush the colt, her team allowed him time to develop naturally.

“I have been fortunate enough to get some of the Avengers’ horses, thanks to Sol Kumin, Tom Ryan, and the rest of the group. Some of the horses just aren’t progressing maybe out his way, so they try to find a different outlet for them, and Taj was one of them,” Russell said. “When he showed up, honestly, he wasn’t showing much, so we just took our time with him and let him come around, and he did.”

A Chance to Continue a Historic Trend

Recently, women trainers have been making major breakthroughs in horse racing. Jena Antonucci made headlines with her Belmont Stakes triumph in 2023, while Cherie DeVaux captured national attention after winning the Kentucky Derby a few weeks ago.

In 2023, Russell became the first woman to lead the state of Maryland in annual training victories, and she followed it up by repeating the accomplishment the following season.

“She’s really easy to work with. She communicates well. She’s very hands-on with the horses. She knows all of her horses, where they are and what’s going on,” Stuart Grant, founder of The Elkstone Group, said.

Now, Russell has her eyes set on Preakness.

“The question has to be asked because, if I’m going to be the only female with a horse in the Preakness and nobody’s ever done it, yeah, it is a big deal, right? Cherie just made history, Jena made history,” Russell said. “It’d still be really cool if I was the 10th woman to do it, but if I was the first to do it too, it’d be pretty special.”

Away from the racetrack, Russell balances the demands of training with family life alongside her husband, jockey Sheldon Russell. The couple shares two children, and Brittany has spoken openly about how motherhood has reshaped her perspective on her growing influence within the sport.

The Preakness often delivers chaos, featuring massive crowds, heightened media coverage, and intense competition from some of the country’s best 3-year-olds. Yet Russell’s confidence appears rooted less in hype and more in the belief that Taj Mahal has earned the opportunity.

“I am realistic about the fact that there are really good horses coming to the Preakness,” Russell said. “I hope he’s good enough to win this race, and I hope he wins it with some authority.”