The region is buzzing with excitement as the renowned Belmont Stakes is set to take place at Saratoga Race Course on June 8, marking a first in the race’s illustrious history.
To fully appreciate the significance of the Belmont Stakes’ arrival in Saratoga and the excitement it’s generating, let’s delve into some key facts about the race and its rich history.
The 156th Belmont Stakes will be held at Saratoga Race Course on June 8.
1. The Reason Behind Belmont Stakes’ Move to Saratoga
The Belmont Stakes is usually held in early June at Belmont Park in Elmont, NY. However, due to the construction of a new grandstand at its usual venue, the race has been relocated to Saratoga Race Course for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. This makes Saratoga the fourth venue outside of Belmont Park to host the race, with three other tracks having served as temporary hosts over the years.
ARCHIVE – The 150th Belmont Stakes horse race saw Justify (1), ridden by jockey Mike Smith, cross the finish line in triumph on Saturday, June 9, 2018, in Elmont, N.Y. The Triple Crown victor Justify, 2017 Horse of the Year Gun Runner, and jockey Joel Rosario have all been inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility.
The Significance of the Belmont Stakes
The Belmont Stakes is the climactic third and final race in the esteemed “Triple Crown” of horseracing events, following the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. It is a highlight of the American thoroughbred racing season, especially when a single horse has claimed victory in the preceding two races. Only a select group of 13 horses have managed to win all three races in the Triple Crown series, with Justify being the most recent champion in 2018. This year, with two different horses winning the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, there won’t be a Triple Crown champion. However, the Belmont Stakes is still set to be a thrilling event.
The 2024 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival will be held at the Saratoga Race Course from June 6-9, in addition to the traditional 40-day summer meet from July to Labor Day.
The Unique Aspect of the Belmont Stakes in Saratoga
The Belmont Stakes is traditionally a 1 ½ mile race, which is equivalent to one full lap of the Belmont Park track. However, due to the smaller size of the Saratoga track, the Belmont Stakes will be run at a slightly shorter distance of 1 ¼ miles. This change adds a unique twist to this year’s Belmont Stakes, making it an event to look forward to.
This 1871 lithograph from the Library of Congress depicts Jerome Park, the site of the inaugural Belmont Stakes in 1867, won by Ruthless.
4. The Origin of the Belmont Stakes Name
The Belmont Stakes owes its name to August Belmont Sr., a German-American financier and diplomat who financed the construction of the Jerome Park Racetrack in the Bronx, NY, the original venue for the race. Belmont, a racehorse owner himself, met his future wife Caroline Slidell Perry while on holiday in Saratoga Springs. He also held the position of president of the National Jockey Club for over twenty years.
Let’s take a moment to appreciate this captivating image from April 9, 1974, showcasing the legendary Frank Sinatra in full swing at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Uniondale, NY. Sinatra, who passed away in 1998 at the age of 82, would have marked his 100th birthday on Dec. 12, 2015. This image is a courtesy of the Daily Gazette.
Unveiling the Belmont Stakes’ Signature Cocktail, Anthem, and Monikers
The Belmont Stakes is steeped in a rich history of traditions, some of which have evolved over time. The race’s signature cocktail is the Belmont Jewel, a refreshing blend of bourbon whiskey, lemonade, and pomegranate juice. The official anthem of the race has been Frank Sinatra’s Theme from New York, New York since 1997, with a brief interlude in one year when Jay-Z’s Empire State of Mind took the spotlight. The race is fondly referred to as “The Test of Champions” and “The Run for the Carnations,” the latter being a nod to the custom of adorning the victorious horse with a blanket of pristine white carnations.
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Stay tuned for more exciting updates and insights!
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