1956 Preakness Stakes thoroughbred racing top attended events for North America in 1956. It was also the first year that Pimlico Race Course began recording attendance figures. The 81st Preakness Stakes Payout Schedule 1956 Preakness Stakes The 1956 Preakness Stakes was the 81st running of the $135,000 Preakness Stakes thoroughbred horse race. The race took place on May 19, 1956, and was televised in the United States on the CBS television network. Fabius, who was jockeyed by William Hartack, won the race by one and three quarter lengths over runner-up Needles. Approximate post time was 5:46 p.m. Eastern Time. The race was run
1973 Belmont Stakes meant he completed the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing. This was significant as he was the ninth horse to complete the feat and broke a 25-year drought where a horse failed to complete the achievement. Secretariat, Sham, Pvt. Smiles, and My Gallant were the first four horses to be entered into the Belmont Stakes. Secretariat, winner of both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes, was the odds on favorite to win the event. The added distance of the Belmont when compared to the Derby and Preakness was found to be one potential reason for Secretariat to lose the race.