The 2024 Belmont Stakes, a cornerstone of American horse racing, unfolded with high drama and unexpected turns on June 8. Traditionally held at Belmont Park, this year’s event was relocated to Saratoga Race Course due to extensive renovations at Belmont Park. The venue change added a unique flavour to the race, blending the historic ambience of Saratoga with the prestige of the Belmont Stakes.
The History & Significance of the Belmont Stakes
The Belmont Stakes is the final jewel in the Triple Crown series, following the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes. Established in 1867, it is the oldest of the three races and is often classed as the “Test of the Champion” due to its gruelling distance, typically 1 1/2 miles. This demanding length tests the endurance and speed of the competing horses, making it a prestigious challenge in the horse racing world.
However, this year, the race was shortened to 1 1/4 miles because of the new track conditions at Saratoga, adding a unique twist to the historic event. The Belmont Stakes has been the site of many legendary moments, such as Secretariat’s record-breaking victory in 1973, cementing its place as a cornerstone of American horse racing.
Electrifying Moments at the 2024 Belmont Stakes
On June 8, 2024, Saratoga Race Course buzzed with excitement as fans from across the country gathered to witness the historic Belmont Stakes. The day was brimming with activities and anticipation in the lead-up to the main event. Among the standout contenders were the favourite Sierra Leone, Kentucky Derby champion Mystik Dan, and Preakness victor Seize The Grey.
In a dramatic turn of events, 17-1 underdog Dornoch emerged victorious in the 156th Belmont Stakes. Under the guidance of trainer Danny Gargan and ridden by jockey Luis Saez, Dornoch seized the lead shortly after the half-mile mark and maintained his position to the finish. This victory marked Saez’s second Belmont Stakes win, the first being with Essential Quality in 2021. Adding an intriguing element to the triumph, Dornoch’s ownership group, West Paces Racing, includes former MLB star Jayson Werth, showcasing his successful transition from baseball to horse racing.
Race Dynamics From The Event
The race began with Seize The Grey setting a strong early pace. However, as the horses approached the three-quarter mile mark, Seize The Grey began to fade, allowing Dornoch and Mindframe to take the lead. Dornoch surged ahead, with Mindframe and Sierra Leone trailing. Despite a late charge, Sierra Leone could only secure third place, while Mindframe finished second.
Wagering Wins & Race Payouts
The betting scene for the 2024 Belmont Stakes was vibrant, with various wagers placed on the race. Dornoch’s win brought substantial payouts for those who bet on him. Here are some key payouts:
- Win: Dornoch paid $37.40
- Place: Mindframe paid $6.80
- Show: Sierra Leone paid $2.60
- Exacta: 6-10 paid $163.25
- Trifecta: 6-10-9 paid $473.00
- Superfecta: 6-10-9-8 paid $3,200.50
Looking Ahead: Post-Race Reactions & Betting on Upcoming Horse Racing Events
The reactions post-race were filled with excitement and analysis. Trainer Danny Gargan and jockey Luis Saez expressed immense pride in Dornoch’s performance. Former MLB star Jayson Werth, part of the ownership group, celebrated his transition from baseball to horse racing with a major victory. Experts also weighed in, noting the strategic moves that led to Dornoch’s win.
As we look ahead to future races, many US horse racing fans and bettors can back their favourite horses to win in a variety of tournaments. Key races to bet on in the United States include the three Triple Crown races as well as the Breeders’ Cup and the Pegasus World Cup.
For US residents in particular, betting on horse racing is available at some of America’s top sportsbooks including DraftKings, BetMGM, and FanDuel. In the State of New York, there are plenty of offers to look out for such as the promos at FanDuel.
The Triple Crown 2024
This year’s Triple Crown series saw different winners for each race, a trend continuing for the sixth year. The Kentucky Derby was won by Mystik Dan, and the Preakness by Seize The Grey.
The last Triple Crown winner was Justify in 2018. The variety of winners highlights the competitive nature of the series and the challenges in achieving a Triple Crown.
Future of Belmont Stakes
The Belmont Stakes is set to return to Belmont Park in 2025 once renovations are complete. Meanwhile, Saratoga continues to play a significant role in the horse racing calendar with its rich history and tradition. Next year’s Belmont Stakes promises to bring more excitement and new contenders vying for glory.
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.