1971 Preakness Stakes list of American thoroughbred racing top attended events for North America in 1971. The 96th Preakness Stakes Payout Schedule 1971 Preakness Stakes The 1971 Preakness Stakes was the 96th running of the $200,000 Preakness Stakes thoroughbred horse race. The race took place on May 15, 1971, and was televised in the United States on the CBS television network. Canonero II, who was jockeyed by Gustavo Avila, won the race by one and one half lengths over runner-up Eastern Fleet. Approximate post time was 5:40 p.m. Eastern Time. The race was run on a fast track in a final time of
Preakness Stakes the infield. A blanket of yellow flowers daubed with black lacquer to recreate the appearance of a black-eyed Susan (see Winning) is placed around the winning horse's neck at this time, and a replica of the Woodlawn Vase is given to the winning horse's owner. Should that horse have also won the Kentucky Derby, speculation and excitement immediately begin to mount as to whether that horse will go on to win the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing at the Belmont Stakes in June. In 1917, the first Woodlawn Vase was awarded to the Preakness winner, who was not allowed to