The 1996 Preakness Stakes was the 121st running of the Preakness Stakes thoroughbred horse race. The race took place on May 18, 1996, and was televised in the United States on the ABC television network. Louis Quatorze, who was jockeyed by Pat Day, won the race by 3+1⁄4 lengths over runner-up Skip Away. Approximate post time was 5:33 p.m. Eastern Time. The race was run over a fast track in a final time of 1:53-2/5.^[1] The Maryland Jockey Club reported total attendance of 97,751, this is recorded as second highest on the list of American thoroughbred racing top attended events for North America in 1996.^[2]

The race did not include Kentucky Derby winner Grindstone, as he was retired five days after his victory, when a bone chip was discovered in his knee.^[3] He was the first horse since Bubbling Over in 1926 to be retired immediately following a win in the Kentucky Derby.

The 121st Preakness Stakes Payout Schedule

$2 Exacta: (6–11) paid $104.60

$2 Trifecta: (6–11–10) paid $613.40

$1 Superfecta: (6–11–10–2) paid $876.40

• Winning Breeder: Georgia E. Hofmann; (KY)
• Final Time: 1:53 2/5 * Record Time for Fastest Preakness
• Track Condition: Fast
• Total Attendance: 97,751^[4]

• 1996 Kentucky Derby