Unveiling the Belmont Stakes Champion: Who Won?
Hello there, horse racing enthusiasts! Today, we're going to take a thrilling gallop through history to answer the question that's been burning in your minds: Who won the Belmont Stakes? So, saddle up and let's dive right in! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and what horse won the belmont stakes.
A Brief History of the Belmont Stakes
Before we reveal the champions, let's first understand the Belmont Stakes, the oldest of the three Triple Crown races. Established in 1867, this prestigious event is held annually at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. Known as the "Test of the Champion," it's the final leg of the Triple Crown, following the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes. The Belmont Stakes is run at a distance of 1.5 miles (12 furlongs), making it the longest of the three races.
The First Belmont Stakes Winner: Ruthless
On June 2, 1867, the inaugural Belmont Stakes took place at the Jerome Park Racetrack in Westchester County, New York. The first horse to claim victory was Ruthless, a chestnut colt owned by August Belmont Sr., for whom the race is named. Ruthless, trained by future Hall of Famer Richard Upjohn, won the race by a length and a half, setting the stage for the legendary event that would follow.
The Triple Crown Contenders: 1919 - Present
Since the inception of the Triple Crown in 1930, the Belmont Stakes has crowned 13 champions who have also won the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes, earning them a place in history as Triple Crown winners. Let's take a look at these remarkable horses:
Sir Barton (1919)
The first horse to achieve the Triple Crown, Sir Barton won the Belmont Stakes by a neck on June 10, 1919. Trained by H. G. bedwell and ridden by Johnny Loftus, Sir Barton's victory was a groundbreaking moment in American thoroughbred racing.
Gallant Fox (1930)
Gallant Fox became the second horse to win the Triple Crown when he claimed victory in the Belmont Stakes on June 7, 1930. Trained by future Hall of Famer Jim Fitzsimmons and ridden by Earl Sande, Gallant Fox's win was the first of two consecutive Triple Crown victories for Fitzsimmons and Sande.
Omaha (1935)
Three years later, Omaha followed in Gallant Fox's hoofsteps, winning the Belmont Stakes on June 8, 1935. Trained by Jim Fitzsimmons and ridden by Jockey Red Pollard, Omaha's victory was the second of two consecutive Triple Crown wins for Fitzsimmons and Pollard.
War Admiral (1937)
War Admiral, son of Triple Crown winner Man o' War, became the fourth horse to win the Triple Crown when he won the Belmont Stakes on June 12, 1937. Trained by future Hall of Famer George Conway and ridden by Charley Kurtsinger, War Admiral's victory was a testament to his legendary lineage.
Whirlaway (1941)
Whirlaway made history as the fifth Triple Crown winner when he claimed victory in the Belmont Stakes on June 7, 1941. Trained by future Hall of Famer Ben Jones and ridden by Eddie Arcaro, Whirlaway's win was the first of two consecutive victories in the Belmont Stakes.
Count Fleet (1943)
Count Fleet became the sixth horse to achieve the Triple Crown when he won the Belmont Stakes on June 5, 1943. Trained by future Hall of Famer Bull Hancock and ridden by Johnny Longden, Count Fleet's victory was one of the most dominant in the history of the Belmont Stakes.
Assault (1946)
Assault won the Belmont Stakes on June 8, 1946, becoming the seventh Triple Crown winner. Trained by Max Hirsch and ridden by Eddie Arcaro, Assault's victory was the second of two consecutive wins in the Belmont Stakes for Arcaro.
Citation (1948)
Citation made history as the eighth horse to win the Triple Crown when he claimed victory in the Belmont Stakes on June 19, 1948. Trained by future Hall of Famer Jimmy Jones and ridden by Eddie Arcaro, Citation's win was the first of two consecutive victories in the Belmont Stakes for Arcaro and Jones.
Secretariat (1973)
Secretariat became the ninth horse to achieve the Triple Crown when he won the Belmont Stakes on June 9, 1973. Trained by future Hall of Famer Lucien Laurin and ridden by Ron Turcotte, Secretariat's victory was one of the most iconic in the history of the Belmont Stakes. Secretariat's time of 2:24 remains the fastest time ever recorded for the 1.5-mile distance.
Seattle Slew (1977)
Seattle Slew became the tenth horse to win the Triple Crown when he claimed victory in the Belmont Stakes on June 11, 1977. Trained by future Hall of Famer Billy Turner and ridden by Jean Cruguet, Seattle Slew's win was the first by a horse that had not raced as a two-year-old.
Affirmed (1978)
Affirmed became the eleventh horse to achieve the Triple Crown when he won the Belmont Stakes on June 10, 1978. Trained by future Hall of Famer Laz Barrera and ridden by future Hall of Famer Steve Cauthen, Affirmed's victory was the last Triple Crown win of the 20th century.
American Pharoah (2015)
After a 37-year drought, American Pharoah ended the wait for the next Triple Crown winner when he claimed victory in the Belmont Stakes on June 6, 2015. Trained by future Hall of Famer Bob Baffert and ridden by Victor Espinoza, American Pharoah's win was the first of two consecutive victories in the Belmont Stakes for Baffert and Espinoza.
Justify (2018)
Justify became the thirteenth horse to win the Triple Crown when he won the Belmont Stakes on June 9, 2018. Trained by future Hall of Famer Bob Baffert and ridden by Mike Smith, Justify's victory was the second consecutive Triple Crown win for Baffert and Smith.
Near Misses: The Horses That Came Close
While the Belmont Stakes has crowned many champions, it has also been the scene of heartbreaking near misses. Here are a few horses that came agonizingly close to winning the Triple Crown:
Charismatic (1999)
Charismatic won the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes in 1999, setting his sights on the Triple Crown at the Belmont Stakes. However, in a dramatic finish, Charismatic finished third, just a length behind the winner, Lemon Drop Kid.
Funny Cide (2003)
Funny Cide captured the hearts of the nation in 2003 when he won the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes. However, his Triple Crown dreams were dashed at the Belmont Stakes, where he finished third behind Empire Maker and Ten Most Wanted.
Big Brown (2008)
Big Brown seemed poised to win the Triple Crown after dominant victories in the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes. However, a quarter crack in his hoof forced him to scratch from the Belmont Stakes, ending his Triple Crown bid.
California Chrome (2014)
California Chrome won the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes in 2014, setting the stage for a thrilling Triple Crown run at the Belmont Stakes. However, a determined Tonalist denied California Chrome the victory, and he finished fourth.
The Belmont Stakes: A Test of Champions
The Belmont Stakes is more than just a race; it's a test of champions. A test of a horse's stamina, heart, and determination. It's a test that only the greatest thoroughbreds have passed, and it's a test that continues to captivate horse racing fans around the world.
So, there you have it, folks! A comprehensive look at the Belmont Stakes and the horses that have won this prestigious race. Whether you're a seasoned racing enthusiast or a newcomer to the sport, we hope this article has given you a greater appreciation for the history and excitement of the Belmont Stakes.
Until next time, happy racing!