BELMONT STAKES EXPERIENCE:
Founded: 1866
Venue: Belmont Park
Location: Elmont, New York
Track Info: A mile and a half in length
Nicknames: Run for the Carnations
Most Wins for Belmont Stakes Trainers: James Rowe, Sr. (8)
Most Wins for Belmont Stakes Jockeys: Jim McLaughlin, Eddie Arcaro (6)
See Also: Triple Crown Horse Racing Tickets
The Belmont Stakes is an American Grade I stakes horse race held annually at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York on Long Island. The race is the third and last of the Triple Crown races, which also include the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes. The Belmont Stakes is held each year in June. The race is for three-year old colts, geldings, and fillies. The 2007 race had a rare outcome when Rags to Riches won, the first filly to win since 1905 and only the third ever. The Belmont Stakes was inaugurated in 1867 and was originally held in the Bronx, New York. Visitors to the Belmont Stakes experience the same pageantry and tradition of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, but have the added excitement of potentially witnessing the winner of the Triple Crown.
The Belmont Stakes is often called the “Run for the Carnations” because of the blanket of white flowers traditionally hung on the winner’s neck. The length of the race and the fact that it is the last of the Triple Crown races has led to Belmont also being nicknamed “the Test of the Champion”. Many three-year old horses are unfamiliar with such a long run, and the timing of a break for the lead becomes important strategy for jockeys. The winning owner at the Belmont Stakes receives the coveted silver cup adorned with horses representing each of the three founding breeds of thoroughbred racing.
For thoroughbred horse racing fans, the Belmont Stakes is the ultimate event. It is the last of the Triple Crown races and provides the possibility of seeing a Triple Crown winner. Belmont has provided the stage for many dramatic finishes. Who can forget Secretariat’s 1973 victory that set a world record at Belmont, and for any mile and a half race. The record has yet to be broken. Buy Belmont Stakes tickets today and be part of thoroughbred racing history!