The 1978 Preakness Stakes was the 103rd running of the $210,000 Grade 1 Preakness Stakes thoroughbred horse race. The race took place on May 20, 1978, and was televised in the United States on the ABC television network. Affirmed, who was jockeyed by Steve Cauthen, won the race by a head over runner-up Alydar, repeating Affirmed's close victory over Alydar in the Kentucky Derby. Believe It finished 3rd, repeating his result from the Kentucky Derby. Approximate post time was 5:41 p.m. Eastern Time. The race was run on a fast track in a final time of 1:54-2/5.Daily Racing Form, May 21, 1978 Preakness Stakes Chart. The Maryland Jockey Club reported total attendance of 81,261, this is recorded as second highest on the list of American thoroughbred racing top attended events for North America in 1978.2010 Preakness Stakes Media Guide; page 95 (page P-7 of The Preakness section).
Longshot Track reward took the lead early, but Affirmed took the lead entering the backstretch. Alydar had remained fairly close to the leaders and almost caught up to Affirmed entering the stretch. But Affirmed never let Alydar catch up, and won by a neck. 3rd place Believe It finished 7 1/2 lengths behind.
Payout
The 103rd Preakness Stakes Payout Schedule
Program Number Horse Name Win Place Show 6 Affirmed US$3.00 $2.10 $2.103 Alydar - $2.10 $2.102 Believe It - - $2.10
$2 Exacta: (6–3) paid $4.00
The full chart
Finish PositionMargin (lengths)Post PositionHorse nameJockeyTrainerOwnerPost Time OddsPurse Earnings1st06 Affirmed Steve Cauthen Laz Barrera Harbor View Farm0.50-1 favorite$136,2002ndhead3 Alydar Jorge Velásquez John Veitch Calumet Farm1.80-1 $30,0003rd82 Believe It Eddie Maple Woody Stephens Hickory Tree Stable6.70-1$15,0004th101/21 Noon Time Spender Herberto Hinojosa Antonio Arcordia Miami Lakes Ranch80.80-1 $7,5005th181/27 Indigo Star Robert Fitzgerald King T. Leatherbury Raymond F. Procopio89.80-16th261/25 Dax S. Jack Kurtz Melvin W. Gross Nathan Scherr93.30-17th301/24 Track Reward Bernie Gonzalez Albert S. Barrera Aisquith Stable88.70-1
Winning Breeder: Harbor View Farm; (FL) Winning Time: 1:54 2/5 Track Condition: Fast Total Attendance: 81,261
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