For horse racing fans around the world, the annual Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing — spanning from the Kentucky Derby to Belmont Stakes – is a major highlight on their sports calendars. While each race holds its own unique significance along the path towards winning this crown, few Annual Classics put as much historical weight into one event as the Belmont Stakes.
Deeply rooted and extensively celebrated in American culture for generations, The Test of the Champion is not only one of the sport’s oldest traditions but remains an impressively emotional experience for any spectator who makes it out to Belmont Park on June 10th.
This blog post will explore how The Belmont stakes have shaped modern equestrianism as we know it today.
What Sets the Belmont Stakes Apart from the Other Triple Crown Races?
The Belmont Stakes has seen both historic victories and tragic failures in horse racing. The Triple Crown has been taken and denied in Belmont Park’s famed lengthy stretch. When the Triple Crown is not at stake, the blanket of carnations awarded to the Belmont Stakes winner is still one of the most coveted awards in all sports.
Unlike the Kentucky Derby, which involves a certain amount of luck owing to the enormous field, or the Preakness, which requires a certain degree of toughness and resilience due to the relatively rapid turnaround from the Derby, the Belmont Stakes is a strategic race.
A rider must be able to maximize their horse’s ability, save ground, and preserve energy whenever feasible in order for a horse to complete the distance successfully.
Belmont Park is famous for its agonizingly lengthy stretch. If the rider is inexperienced with the horse, turning for home might put it up for victory or failure.
A clever jockey, not simply a talented one, is required to win the Belmont Stakes,.
Horses are no longer bred or designed to perform at the arduous mile-and-a-half distance. As public auctions grew in popularity and profitability, it became evident that the big-money horses were physically developed, precocious types that would reach the track early and provide a quick return on investment.
Those horses often could not sustain the difficult Triple Crown campaign or manage such a lengthy trip.
How Have Spectators Experienced The Belmont Stakes?
The Belmont Stakes has become known as the ‘People’s Race’ for its ability to attract huge crowds from across New York State and beyond. For many racing fans, the day is more than just a chance to watch some of the world’s best athletes compete—it’s an opportunity to get together with friends and family and celebrate all that equestrianism offers.
Recently, it has also become a place where celebrities often come out to participate in this special occasion. The Belmont Stakes has become a star-studded affair that brings out the who’s who of Hollywood.
The Impact of The Belmont Stakes on Horse Racing History
The Belmont Stakes has been a part of American horse racing for over 150 years. Every year, it’s an emotional experience that brings out the best in horses and jockeys and helps bring people closer to each other.
In 2015, millions tuned in around the world when American Pharoah became just the 12th horse in history to win the Triple Crown after winning both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes earlier in the season.
The Belmont Stakes truly is a race like no other—a test of strength, endurance, and determination for both horses and jockeys alike. It’s no wonder that generations have gathered together to witness this special moment year after year—and it’s no doubt that this race will continue to define horse racing for many more years to come.
Preparation for Spectators Visiting Belmont Park
Whether you are visiting Belmont Park for the first time or have been a longtime fan, there are several strategies and tips to ensure that your experience at The Test of Champions is one you’ll never forget.
Make sure to get to the track early if you want to grab a good seat. Seating in the grandstand typically requires paid admission, while seating in the clubhouse often requires payment of non-refundable reservation fees.
Another great way to make your visit even more memorable is by bringing along race binoculars so that you can get an up-close look at all of the action taking place on the track. Be sure also to check out some of the food trucks and concession stands located throughout Belmont Park, as they offer a delicious selection of snacks and beverages that are sure to make your day even more enjoyable.
Finally, take some time before the race to explore the area around Belmont Park. The park is located in Elmont, New York—just 25 miles outside of Manhattan—and offers fantastic views of Long Island Sound and other surrounding attractions like Aqueduct Racetrack and Citi Field. No matter how you choose to spend your day at Belmont Park, it’s sure to be a memorable experience that you won’t soon forget!
The Belmont Stakes have been an iconic part of American culture for centuries, so why not come out and experience it for yourself?
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.