Belmont Stakes - Test of the Champion

Belmont Park is the home of Belmont Stakes, the final race in the Triple

Crown series of American horse racing. The Belmont Stakes is the third and

final leg of the prestigious Triple Crown Race for top 3-year-old

thoroughbreds in America.

The first post parade in the United States was at the 14th Belmont, in 1880.

Since 1926, a silver bowl, made by Louis Comfort Tiffany and donated by the

Belmont family, has been given to the winning owner. Atop the bowl's cover

is a silver figure of Fenian, winner of the third running of the Belmont

Stakes in 1869.

The Belmont Stakes is called the "Run for the Carnations" because of the

blanket of white carnations that is draped over the winner's neck.
Another favorite reason given is because of its length (one lap around the

enormous Belmont main track), and because it is the final race of the Triple

Crown.

In a long race such as the Belmont, positioning of the horse and the timing

of the move to chase for the lead can be critical. Due to the reconstruction

of Belmont from 1963-1967, the race was held at Aqueduct Racetrack.

Since 1931, the order of Triple Crown races has been the Kentucky Derby first,

followed by the Preakness Stakes and then the Belmont Stakes.
On eleven occasions the Belmont Stakes was run before the Preakness Stakes.

Despite the fact that the Belmont Stakes is the oldest of the triple crown

races, its traditions have been less venerable and more subject to change.

On June 5, 1993 thoroughbred racing's all-time leading female jockey, Julie

Krone, became the first woman to win a Triple Crown race when she rode to

victory in the Belmont Stakes aboard Colonial Affair. In 1984, Sarah Lundy

became the first female trainer to saddle a horse in the Belmont Stakes.

Secretariat's 1973 Belmont victory set a world record (2:24 flat) not only

for the race, but for the mile and a half.

With Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird denied of taking the Preakness

Stakes, horse racing fans will not see a Triple Crown winner this year at the

Belmont Stakes 2009.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Richard Bleuze provides articles and information on the sport of horse

betting. You can find out more on his website,http://www.

bettingthehorsesonline.com