Belmont Stakes 2027

The Belmont Stakes holds a special place in American horse racing. Known as the "Test of the Champion," it is the oldest and most challenging leg of the Triple Crown, alongside the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes.

But what sets the Belmont apart is its history, traditions, and the unforgettable stories created on its demanding racetrack.

Origins and Early Years

The Belmont Stakes began in 1867, predating both the Kentucky Derby (1875) and the Preakness Stakes (1873). Named after August Belmont Sr., a prominent New York banker and racing enthusiast who funded the event, the race quickly became one of the country's most prestigious sporting events.

The inaugural Belmont Stakes was held on June 19, 1867, at Jerome Park Racetrack in the Bronx. The first winner, Ruthless, was a talented filly who set the tone for the race's future reputation as a test of endurance and toughness.

After Jerome Park, the race moved briefly to Morris Park in 1890, before settling permanently at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, in 1905. Belmont Park was built specifically to host the Stakes, becoming one of the most iconic horse racing venues in the world.

The Triple Crown Connection

Initially, the Belmont Stakes was just one of many prestigious horse races in the United States. However, its profile rose dramatically in the 20th century when it became the third leg of the newly recognized Triple Crown series.

The term "Triple Crown" itself wasn't widely used until the early 1930s, after sportswriter Charles Hatton popularized the phrase. Winning all three races—the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes—quickly became the pinnacle achievement in horse racing.

Since Sir Barton first completed the feat in 1919, only thirteen horses have captured this elusive honor, highlighting just how challenging it truly is.

Famous Belmont Winners and Records

Throughout its long history, the Belmont Stakes has been the stage for many legendary performances. Perhaps none is more famous than Secretariat’s breathtaking victory in 1973.

Secretariat didn’t just win—he dominated, finishing an astonishing 31 lengths ahead of his nearest competitor, setting a track record that still stands today. His win in a time of 2:24 for the 1½-mile course remains one of the greatest performances in racing history.

Other notable Belmont winners include Affirmed, who defeated rival Alydar in 1978 in an epic duel to clinch the Triple Crown, and Seattle Slew, who became the first horse to win the Triple Crown while still undefeated in 1977.

More recently, American Pharoah ended a 37-year drought of Triple Crown winners in 2015, a feat followed closely by Justify in 2018.

Belmont Traditions and Customs

Tradition has always played a key role in Belmont Stakes history. Fans attending Belmont Park experience the vibrant atmosphere of a classic American sporting event. Before the race begins, it is customary for the crowd to sing "New York, New York," paying tribute to the host state.

One of the most recognisable Belmont traditions is the blanket of white carnations draped over the winning horse, a contrast to the roses awarded at the Kentucky Derby and the black-eyed Susans at the Preakness Stakes. This beautiful, fragrant blanket symbolizes victory and honor.

Belmont Park itself also has historic features, such as its unique, wide track and sweeping turns. At 1½ miles, the Belmont Stakes is significantly longer than both the Derby and the Preakness, emphasizing stamina and strategy over pure speed.

Horses and jockeys must navigate this demanding course carefully, often resulting in dramatic finishes.

Belmont’s Tough Reputation

While winning any Triple Crown race is an exceptional achievement, the Belmont Stakes is particularly challenging.

Over the years, Belmont has earned a reputation for spoiling Triple Crown dreams. Numerous horses have arrived at Belmont Park with victories at the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, only to fall short in this final, most demanding test.

Some of the most memorable near-misses include Spectacular Bid in 1979, who finished third despite being heavily favored, and Smarty Jones, who was narrowly defeated by Birdstone in 2004. This trend has earned Belmont Park the nickname "The Graveyard of Champions," highlighting its unique difficulty.

Temporary Move to Saratoga Springs

In recent times, the Belmont Stakes has faced new challenges. For the 2024, 2025, and 2026 editions, Belmont Park was temporarily replaced by Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York.

This temporary move allowed extensive renovations at Belmont Park, including a brand-new grandstand and upgrades to racing facilities. For these three renewals, the race was also shortened slightly from its traditional 1½ miles to 1¼ miles due to Saratoga’s track dimensions.

Despite the temporary changes, the Belmont Stakes remains an exciting and prestigious event. Fans still gather to witness history and see if another horse can overcome the challenge of capturing the Triple Crown, even if it happens at a different venue for a brief period.

The Legacy of the Belmont Stakes

Today, the Belmont Stakes remains central to American horse racing culture. It is a race that tests the very limits of strength, speed, and endurance, often deciding whether a horse is remembered as simply great or truly legendary.

For jockeys, trainers, and owners, victory at Belmont represents more than just a sizable purse—it guarantees a lasting place in horse racing history. And for fans, every Belmont Stakes is a thrilling spectacle, where unforgettable moments are born on the track.

Whether held at Belmont Park or temporarily at Saratoga Springs, the Belmont Stakes continues its storied tradition of excellence, drama, and excitement, standing tall as the ultimate test of champions.