Something that makes the Belmont Stakes so iconic is that it is one of the oldest horse racing events in America. Not only that, but it is arguably the most gruelling track in the Triple Crown races.
The Belmont Stakes is held every year on the third Saturday in June at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. It is considered by many the most prestigious race in American thoroughbred racing, and at 154 years old, it isn’t difficult to appreciate why.
This is a look into the history of the Belmont Stakes and why the track continues to push thoroughbreds and their jockeys to their limits.
Origins of the Belmont Stakes
The Belmont Stakes was founded in 1867, and took place in Jerome Park Racetrack in Queens, NY. The race took place annually in this venue, before moving to Morris Park Racecourse in 1890.
Although the Belmont Stakes moved to a newly built racetrack on Long Island in 1905, the annual events were called off between 1911 and 1912 as a result of the New York state anti-gambling legislation.
The three horse races that currently make up the Triple Crown annual events actually existed before the term was originally used. The Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes came to light after the Belmont Stakes, although the Belmont Stakes are the longest running event out of the three which make up the Triple Crown.
Thoroughbred racers who have already won the previous two events in the season, who go on to win at the Belmont Stakes, are named the Triple Crown winners. The term was first used following Gallant Fox’s 1930 victories. Since then, the timing of the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes have related to the start of the Kentucky Derby.
The Race Track
Because the track itself was constructed for the Belmont Stakes, a great deal of care and attention was paid when it was built. Since 1926, thoroughbreds have raced each other on the one and a half mile track within Belmont Park.
The venue actually has three tracks made from turf and dirt. However, it is the route nicknamed the ‘Big Sandy’ that generated the most traction for the Belmont Stakes.
While the final race of the Triple Crown is arguably the most popular event in the horse racing calendar, Belmont Park has hosted the Breeder’s Cup Championship on occasion. Not to mention, the Woodward Stakes, True North Stakes, and Jockey Club Gold Cup which have taken place at Belmont Park throughout the years.
It is worth paying a visit to the prestigious horse racing venue because the clubhouse and local museums are highly commemorative and celebrate individual thoroughbreds, owners, and jockeys’ achievements at Belmont Park.
Thanks to expansion which has happened throughout the years, Belmont Park can now seat as many as 18,000 audience members during a busy event. In addition, retail sectors, restaurants, bars, and all kinds of other attractions help draw in huge crowds every year.
Records
It’s no secret that Secretariat stood out among other racers during the peak of his career in 1973. The first half of this year’s Belmont Stakes saw a neck and neck race between Secretariat and Sham.
However, Secretariat made light work of his opponent during the last half of the track. Having sped ahead to the finish line, Secretariat set a world record for the distance between the winner and the remaining thoroughbred racers.
Twelve furlongs on the dirt track is still the record to beat, and the iconic racer remains one of the most impressive and high achieving out there. It was the biggest margin of victory that solidified Secretariat’s reputation as a champion.
Other records which took place during the Belmont Stakes include the most wins by a trainer, a series of speed records, and most wins by an owner. Thoroughbred trainer James G. Rowe Sr. saw a great deal of success at the Belmont Stakes as a trainer and twice as a jockey.
It’s no wonder that so many people have begun to follow the events of the Belmont Stakes. The final leg of the Triple Crown has had the highest viewing rate out of all horse racing events since 1977.
Traditions of the Belmont Stakes
Horse racing is all about rituals and traditions. This is what keeps the culture alive and encourages visitors to learn more about the history of the Belmont Stakes. It has become known as the ‘Test Of The Champion’ because it is the final leg of the Triple Crown, and racers have the chance to finish this race with a huge victory.
Betting has always been a huge part of the culture surrounding thoroughbred racing. This alone is a deep tradition within the Belmont Stakes. If you want to take part in the tradition of betting, it is worth taking a closer look at the 2022 belmont stakes odds. This can allow you to bet on the highest achieving thoroughbred in the Triple Crown that season.
While some traditions surrounding the Belmont Stakes have changed a little since its beginning, the Belmont Jewel is known as the iconic drink of the popular event. It is both refreshing and delicious and will be sure to get you into the festivities when you visit.
Summary
The Belmont Stakes is the oldest annual thoroughbred race in the Triple Crown races, and it is the final event out of the three. Many champion horses have secured victory at the Belmont Park venue, and there are an immense number of records that the dirt track holds.
Within the horse racing calendar, Belmont Stakes sees some of the most successful racers of their time. The best of the best compete within this venue, and it’s no wonder why betting is such a huge part of the event’s tradition.
It isn’t hard to see why the Belmont Stakes is an event on many people’s bucket lists, and it is definitely worth visiting. Make sure to try a Belmont Jewel and take part in the other traditions as a way of playing your part in the historic event.
You may also like to read
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.