The Belmont Stakes: The Test of Champions
Horse Rancing
Every June, horse racing fans across the nation hold their breath for one of the most iconic moments in American sports: The Belmont Stakes. Known as “The Test of the Champion” and affectionately referred to as the “Run for the Carnations,” this historic race is the final, and often most grueling leg of the prestigious Triple Crown series.
Following the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes, the Belmont Stakes offers a climactic finish that separates legendary thoroughbreds from the rest of the field.
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The History of the Belmont Stakes
The Belmont Stakes boasts a legacy that stretches back more than 150 years, having first been run in 1867. Named after wealthy financier and sportsman August Belmont Sr., the inaugural event took place at Jerome Park Racetrack in the Bronx. The winner? A daring filly named Ruthless, who stunned the racing world and established the tradition of dramatic Belmont upsets.
In 1905, the race found its permanent home at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. Designed by Charles Dana Gibson, the track soon became one of the most revered venues in horse racing. Over the decades, it has hosted countless unforgettable moments, none more spectacular than Secretariat’s 1973 performance, when he thundered across the finish line an unprecedented 31 lengths ahead of the competition an achievement that still resonates in sports history.
What is the distance of the Belmont Stakes?
At 1.5 miles (about 2,400 metres), the Belmont Stakes is the longest of the Triple Crown races. This distance is a true endurance test, demanding not just speed but heart, stamina, and strategy. It’s this brutal length that earns the race its nickname, “The Test of the Champion.”
Legendary Horses and Unforgettable Races of the Belmont Stakes
The Belmont Stakes has been home to some of horse racing’s most iconic stories:
🏇Secretariat (1973): Widely considered the greatest racehorse of all time, Secretariat didn’t just win the Belmont he dominated. His 31-length victory in a record time of 2:24 flat remains one of the most jaw-dropping moments in sports.
🏇Affirmed (1978): After a controversial Preakness finish, Affirmed battled his rival Alydar yet again in the Belmont. He triumphed by a head in a heart-pounding stretch duel, becoming the 11th Triple Crown winner.
🏇Cigar Mile (1995): Defying age and odds, Cigar Mile stunned the crowd as the oldest horse to clinch a Triple Crown. His resilience and tenacity captivated fans across the nation.
🏇Lemon Drop Kid (1999): A 38-1 longshot, Lemon Drop Kid’s victory proved that anything is possible at Belmont. He became the first horse since Citation to win the final leg without taking the earlier two races.
Run for the Carnations: A Floral Tradition
The Belmont Stakes winner is draped in a stunning blanket of over 500 white carnations, symbolizing purity and love. Each flower is meticulously glued onto a green velvet backing by hand. The carnations are flown in from Colombia, adding an international touch to this deeply American tradition.
The August Belmont Trophy
In addition to the floral tribute, the race winner is awarded the August Belmont Trophy. This exquisite silver cup, designed by George Paulding Farnham and crafted by Tiffany & Co., was donated by the Belmont family and has been the official prize since 1926. Though the trophy must be returned the following year, its prestige is eternal.
What Should You Wear to the Belmont Stakes?
Attending the Belmont Stakes is about more than racing, it’s a stylish social affair. Dress to impress:
Ladies: Dresses, skirts, or pant suits are appropriate.
Gentlemen: A collared shirt is required.
Not Allowed: Tank tops, shorts, short pants, and revealing attire.
Think smart casual with a touch of sophistication. Many racegoers embrace vibrant colors and statement hats, making it one of the most fashionable events in the sporting calendar.
A New Chapter: Belmont Stakes 2025
In a twist of tradition, the 157th Belmont Stakes will take place on Saturday, June 7, 2025, not at Belmont Park but at the historic Saratoga Race Course. This temporary move promises a fresh atmosphere while honoring the enduring spirit of the race. Saratoga, with its rich racing heritage and picturesque setting, is the perfect stage for this year’s epic showdown.
Place Your Bets on the Belmont Stakes at Betco.ag
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