The “Belmont Stakes” is one of the oldest and most prestigious horse races in the United States, dating back to 1867. Named after August Belmont Sr., the race was first held at Jerome Park Racetrack in the Bronx, a track built by stock market speculator Leonard Jerome.
The first Belmont Stakes race was won by a filly named Ruthless. After spending two decades at Jerome Park and then at Morris Park, the race found its permanent home at Belmont Park in 1905. The 430-acre racetrack, located in Elmont, New York, became the site for what is now known as the third jewel of the “Triple Crown.”
The Growth of the Triple Crown
Though Sir Barton was the first horse to win the “Triple Crown” in 1919, the term wasn’t used until Gallant Fox won all three races in 1930. The Belmont Stakes is now the final race in the Triple Crown series, following the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes.
Historically, the Preakness has sometimes been held before the Derby, but since 1931, the order has been fixed. However, in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Belmont Stakes served as the opening race of the series for the first time, with its distance shortened to 1 1/8 miles.
The race is known for its challenging 1 1/2 mile distance, the longest of the Triple Crown races. Many horses have come close to securing a Triple Crown at the Belmont Stakes, only to fall short. One such famous case was in 1971, when a foot injury caused Cañonero II to finish fourth, despite strong hopes that he would win the Triple Crown that year.
Historic Records and Memorable Moments
The Belmont Stakes has seen numerous legendary performances. In 1920, Man o’ War set a new American record by winning the race by 20 lengths. However, the most iconic moment came in 1973 when Secretariat won by a staggering 31 lengths in a record-breaking time of 2:24, a mark that still stands as the fastest 1 1/2 mile run on dirt in American history.
Seattle Slew, in 1977, became the first horse to win the Triple Crown while undefeated. Affirmed followed the next year, becoming the last Triple Crown winner of the 20th century.
Belmont Park saw significant changes over the years, including a relocation to Aqueduct Racetrack from 1963 to 1967 during renovations. One of the most notable upsets occurred in 2004, when 120,000 spectators watched Birdstone defeat heavy favorite Smarty Jones.
Recent Developments in the Belmont Stakes
In 2022, Mo Donegal secured victory in the 154th running of the Belmont Stakes with a time of 2:28.28. In a significant development, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that due to ongoing renovations at Belmont Park, the 2024 race will be moved to Saratoga Race Course and shortened to 1 1/4 miles.
The purse for the race will also be increased to $2 million. In 2025, the Belmont Stakes is expected to remain at Saratoga, pending regulatory approval.
