The Belmont Stakes are the third leg of the Triple Crown series and are one of the most highly anticipated horse races in the world. A handful of horses are expected to compete for this prestigious title, including Takter’s Alley, Dortmund, Carpe Diem, and Tonalist. Get all your information about this year’s Belmont Stakes here!
The first Belmont
The first Belmont in the United States was not the famous stakes race or even the man for whom it is named. Rather, the first Belmont was a racehorse that arrived in California in 1853 from his breeding grounds of Franklin, Ohio. The Belmont Stakes, however, is named after August Belmont, a financier who made quite a name and fortune for himself in New York politics and society. Obviously, Mr. Belmont was also quite involved in horse racing, and his imprint is even intertwined within the history of the Kentucky Derby.
It has been held at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York since 1867
The Belmont Stakes have been held at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York since 1867. This is one of the longest-standing sporting events in the United States. It was always held at Jerome Park Racetrack until it closed in 1890, after which it was relocated to Brooklyn Raceway for three years. Then, in 1894, the event successfully found its home back at Belmont Park.
It was originally called the “Belmont Stakes” until 1890 when it became known as the “Belmont Gold Cup”
The Belmont Stakes were originally called the “Belmont Stakes” until 1890 when it became known as the “Belmont Gold Cup.” This was because of a dispute between two horse clubs – the Kentucky Association and the American Trotting Association. These two horse clubs claimed that there were contracted agreements with Mr. Belmont for exclusive rights to call races “Belmont Stakes.” Eventually, the issue was taken to an arbitration committee which then ruled in favor of the American Trotting Association, which renamed it the “American Breeders’ Union Gold Cup.” The Kentucky Association went on to rename their race “the Oaks,” while retaining usage of the name “the Belmont Stakes.”
Races that make up the stake
The Belmont Stakes is one of the most important horse races in the world. It has been around for a long time and it’s often very exciting.
There are three different races that make up the stake – one for 3-year-olds, one for older horses, and a race for 2-year olds.
Kentucky Derby
The first leg of the Triple Crown is Kentucky Derby which takes place on May 1st every year. This event has been around since 1875 when it was hosted by Louisville Jockey Club. There are three different races surrounding this competition-the Kentucky Derby itself, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes. The winner is eligible for $1 million U.S dollars in prize money.
Preakness Stakes
The second leg of the Triple Crown is Preakness Stakes which takes place on May 16th every year. This event has been around since 1873 when it was hosted by the Maryland Jockey Club. As mentioned above, there are three different races surrounding this competition-the Preakness Stakes itself, the Kentucky Derby, and the Belmont Stakes.
When is the 2015 Belmont Stakes
The 1 1⁄2-mile (2,400 m) race, known as the “test of the champion” and sometimes called the “final jewel” in thoroughbred horse racing’s traditional Triple Crown series, is held on June 6. Three weeks after the Preakness Stakes and five weeks after the Kentucky Derby.
Top contender for the Triple Crown
American Pharoah’s quest to become the first horse to win the Triple Crown in 37 years will come to an end one way or another following the 2015 Belmont Stakes on June 6. Will the colt make history, or will he leave empty-handed just like 13 previous horses that entered Belmont Park with the same aspirations since Affirmed last achieved the feat in 1978?
Conclusion
Will the American Pharoah reach ”immortality”, or will he fall short? As the years of professional, and above all traditional, horse racing has gone by, more thrill is to be expected. By this being said, there is nothing else to do rather than wait and see what the climax of the Triple Crown racing will bring us on June 6th.
