The 2024 Belmont Stakes will be held at the historic Saratoga Race Course, a venue synonymous with Thoroughbred racing for over 160 years. This relocation, due to renovations at Belmont Park, offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich heritage and charm of Saratoga Springs, New York.

A Storied History

Saratoga Race Course, located on Union Avenue in Saratoga Springs, is the oldest major sporting venue in the United States, having opened in 1863. Its roots trace back even further, to county fairs in the early 19th century, where the site hosted horse trials and exhibitions. The course was officially established by casino operator John Morrissey, who saw potential in Saratoga’s burgeoning racing scene and purchased land to create the now-famous venue.

The Birthplace of Champions and Upsets

Known as “The Graveyard of Champions,” Saratoga has witnessed several legendary upsets. Man o’ War, Gallant Fox, and Secretariat all suffered surprising defeats on this track, underscoring its unpredictable nature. This reputation adds an extra layer of excitement to every race held here, making it a perfect fit for the Belmont Stakes.

The Venue Layout

Saratoga Race Course is renowned for its unique track layout. The main dirt track, one of three at the venue, measures 1⅛ miles in circumference. Additionally, it features the Mellon Turf Course, a one-mile turf track, and an inner turf track. Steeplechase races are also a highlight, run on the inner turf course.

Another notable feature is the Wilson Chute, used for one-mile races. Originally dismantled in 1972 for parking expansion, it was resurrected in 2022, adding to the track’s versatility. The Oklahoma Training Track, located across Union Avenue, serves as a vital training ground and retains historical significance as the site of the original 1863 track.

The 2024 Belmont Stakes: A New Challenge

The relocation of the Belmont Stakes to Saratoga will see the race run at a shorter distance of 1 1⁄4 miles, compared to the traditional 1 1⁄2 miles at Belmont Park. This change, necessitated by Saratoga’s smaller track size, will likely influence race strategies and outcomes, offering an intriguing twist to this storied event. For those interested in placing wagers, FanDuel online betting offers a convenient platform to get involved and experience the thrill of the race from anywhere.

Unique Features and Traditions

Saratoga Race Course is steeped in traditions that enhance its unique charm. One such tradition is the hand-rung bell that signals jockeys to the paddock 17 minutes before each race. The venue also boasts a gazebo in the infield, which has become an iconic symbol of the course. Additionally, the Big Red Spring, located on the picnic grounds, provides patrons with a taste of Saratoga’s famous mineral waters.

Anticipation for the 2024 Belmont Stakes

The excitement surrounding the 2024 Belmont Stakes is palpable. The relocation has sparked curiosity among racing enthusiasts about how the shorter race distance and Saratoga’s unique track characteristics will affect the competition. The stakes are higher than ever, with the prize purse increased to $2 million, ensuring a thrilling race.

Conclusion

Saratoga Race Course, with its rich history and distinctive features, provides a fitting and exciting venue for the 2024 Belmont Stakes. This historic track, known for its charm and unpredictability, will undoubtedly add a unique twist to one of horse racing’s most prestigious events. As we look forward to June 8, the world will be watching to see how this venerable course shapes the Belmont Stakes’ future.

Chester Racecourse is situated in the heart of the historic cathedral city in Cheshire, North West England, where it is contained within a loop of the River Dee, close to the Welsh border. Established in 1539, under the auspices of Mayor of Chester, Henry Gee, Chester Racecourse is the oldest active racecourse, not just in Britain, but anywhere in the world and is officially recognised as such by Guinness World Records. A tight, nigh on circular course, with a circumference of just nine furlongs, Chester also has the distinction of being the smallest racecourse in Britain.

Chester Racecourse is popularly known as ‘The Roodee’, with ‘Roodee’ being a corruption of ‘Rood Eye’, which translates as ‘Island of the Cross’. ‘Rood’ is a Middle English word, dating from before the twelfth century, which is derived from the Old English word ‘rod’, meaning ‘cross’. The latter, in turn, has its roots in Proto-Germanic, which is also the source of similar words in Old Norse, Old Frisian and Old Saxon. What’s the connection to Chester Racecourse? Well, the middle of the course features a stone cross, atop a raised mound, which is known to have existed since the Middle Ages. Legend has it that the cross marks the burial place of a statue of the Virgin Mary, supposedly tried and convicted of causing the death of the wife of the Governor of Hawarden, Lady Trawst.

Likewise, ‘Eye’ is derived from the Old English word ‘īeġ’ meaning ‘island’. The aforementioned cross was original built on a island in the River Dee, but years of silt deposition eventually turned the site of the original ‘Rood Eye’, or ‘Roodee’, into meadowland, which ultimately became the location the modern racecourse.

The Belmont Stakes, nicknamed “The Test of the Champion” and the “Run for the Carnations,” is the jewel in the crown of American thoroughbred horse racing. Held annually on the first or second Saturday in June, it’s the final leg of the prestigious Triple Crown, following the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. This electrifying 1 ½-mile race at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, separates the truly elite thoroughbreds from the merely exceptional.

A Rich History Steeped in Tradition

The Belmont Stakes boasts a rich history dating back to 1867. Named after financier August Belmont Sr., it was originally held at Jerome Park Racetrack in the Bronx. The first winner, a filly named Ruthless, defied expectations and set the stage for future upsets and thrilling finishes.

In 1905, the Belmont Stakes found its permanent home at Belmont Park, a majestic track designed by renowned architect Charles Dana Gibson. Over the years, the Belmont Stakes has witnessed legendary horses like Secretariat, who achieved the Triple Crown in record time in 1973, and Affirmed, who overcame a controversial Preakness to secure the Triple Crown in 1978.

The Challenge of the Belmont Stakes

The Belmont Stakes is the longest and arguably the most demanding race in the Triple Crown. At 1 ½ miles (12 furlongs), it requires exceptional stamina and endurance from the horses. This extended distance separates colts who excelled in the shorter Kentucky Derby (1 ¼ miles) and Preakness (1 3/16 miles) from those with the physical prowess to conquer the Belmont.

The Quest for the Triple Crown

The quest for the Triple Crown-winning all three legs of the series in a single year – is a pinnacle achievement in horse racing. Since its inception, only 13 horses have achieved this incredible feat. The challenge lies in the grueling nature of each race and the demanding schedule, with just a few weeks between each leg.

A Day at the Belmont Stakes: An Unforgettable Experience

The Belmont Stakes is more than just a horse race; it’s a cultural phenomenon. The atmosphere crackles with anticipation and excitement, drawing tens of thousands of spectators from across the globe. From elegant attire and elaborate hats to festive picnic blankets and lively cheers, the Belmont Stakes is a day of extravagance and shared passion for the sport.

Beyond the Finish Line: What to Expect

Fashion on Display: The Belmont Stakes is known for its extravagant fashion. Ladies don their finest fascinators and sundresses, while gentlemen sport dapper suits and bowties.

Culinary Delights: A variety of food and beverage options, from gourmet picnic menus to lively concession stands, cater to every palate.

Family Fun: The event also offers plenty of family-friendly activities, including pony rides, face painting, and interactive exhibits about horse racing history.

Betting and Wagering: Belmont bets are available throughout the day for those who enjoy the thrill of the competition.

Preparing for Your Belmont Stakes Experience

If you’re planning a trip to the Belmont Stakes, here are some things to keep in mind:

Tickets: Purchase your tickets well in advance, as the event often sells out. Different ticket options offer access to various racetrack areas, catering to different budgets and preferences.

Dress Code: While no strict dress code exists, most attendees opt for elegant attire.

Transportation and Parking: Plan your transportation, as parking on-site can be limited and expensive. Consider public transportation options offered by the New York Racing Association.

Weather: Be prepared for unpredictable New York weather. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and an umbrella in case of rain.

The Belmont Stakes: More Than Just a Race

The Belmont Stakes celebrates equestrian excellence, pushing horses and jockeys to their limits. It’s a day steeped in history, tradition, and striking fashion. Whether you’re a seasoned racing enthusiast or a curious newcomer, the Belmont Stakes promises an unforgettable experience filled with excitement, glamor, and a touch of history.

Beyond the Spectacle: The Future of the Belmont Stakes

While the Belmont Stakes enjoys enduring popularity, there have been discussions about altering the distance or spacing of the Triple Crown races to address concerns about the demanding horse schedule. 2024, for instance, sees the Belmont Stakes temporarily shortened to 1 ¼ miles due to renovations at Belmont Park.

Regardless of potential changes, one thing remains certain: the Belmont Stakes will continue to hold a special place in the hearts of horse racing fans and casual spectators alike. It’s a testament to the enduring power of athletic competition, the deep bond between humans and horses, and the thrill of witnessing history unfold in the electrifying atmosphere of a race track.

Legendary Horses and Unforgettable Races

The Belmont Stakes boasts a long, illustrious history filled with captivating champions and dramatic finishes. Here are a few examples:

Secretariat (1973): This iconic chestnut colt remains the only horse to win the Triple Crown with a record-breaking time in all three races. His Belmont Stakes victory, achieved by an astonishing 31 lengths, is considered one of the greatest performances in racing history.

Affirmed (1978): Affirmed’s Triple Crown journey was marred by controversy following a disputed finish in the Preakness. Despite the drama, he emerged victorious at Belmont, silencing doubters and solidifying his place in racing’s pantheon.

Cigar Mile (1995): This gelding defied the odds, becoming the oldest horse (at six years old) to win the Triple Crown. His Belmont Stakes victory cemented his legacy as a diligent late bloomer.

Lemon Drop Kid (1999): This longshot defied 38-1 odds to win the Belmont Stakes, becoming the first horse since Citation in 1948 to win the final leg without winning either of the previous races in the Triple Crown.

Beyond the Triple Crown: Notable Belmont Victories

While the Triple Crown captures much of the attention, the Belmont Stakes has witnessed other remarkable victories outside of the coveted series:

Kelso (1964, 1965, 1966): This champion won the Belmont Stakes an unprecedented three times, showcasing his exceptional stamina and longevity.

Exceller (1978): Despite losing the Triple Crown bid in a close second-place finish at the Preakness, Exceller secured a dominant victory at Belmont, cementing his status as a top-tier racehorse.

Ragtime (2009): This colt entered the Belmont Stakes with underdog status but delivered a captivating upset victory, proving that any horse can rise to the occasion on this grand stage.

Final Words

The Belmont Stakes is a cornerstone of American horse racing, showcasing the pinnacle of equine athleticism and human horsemanship. It’s a day filled with excitement, tradition, and the potential for history to be made. Whether you witness a future Triple Crown champion or witness an underdog’s triumph, the Belmont Stakes promises an unforgettable experience that transcends the race itself. So, dust off your finest attire, pack your picnic basket, and prepare to be captivated by the “Test of the Champion.”

Hurst Park Racecourse was situated at Molesey Hurst, on the southern bank of the River Thames, near West Molesey, Surrey. In fact, it occupied more or less the same site as the old Hampton Racecourse, which staged its final meeting on June 15, 1887, after the Jockey Club refused to renew its licence. Notwithstanding its compact size, Hampton was an open, rather than enclosed, course, with no admission fee. The absence of this additional revenue scheme, coupled with the fact that just four days’ racing were staged annually, led to the deterioration of the course to the point that it was deemed unfit for racing by the governing body of the day.

Two years later, though, the site was purchased by the Hurst Park Club Syndicate Limited and developed as a closed course. Initially too small to be granted a licence for Flat racing, Hurst Park Racecourse staged its first National Hunt fixture on March 19, 1890. Thereafter, the course was extended onto nearby open country to create an oval, 11 furlongs in extent, and a straight, 7-furlong ‘Victoria Cup’ course, suitable for Flat racing. The first Flat fixture duly took place on March 25, 1891.

The Victoria Cup, itself, was a established, as a two-mile handicap, in 1901, before being run for the first time in its modern guise, over 7 furlongs, in 1908. The race was transferred to Ascot the year after the closure of Hurst Park in 1962, where it is still run annually in May and remains as fiercely competitive as ever. The Victoria Cup aside, the other principal race in the history of Hurst Park was the Triumph Hurdle, which was established in 1939 and has been a fixture of the Cheltenham Festival, staged annually in March, since 1968.

On the afternoon June 8, 1913, Emily Davison finally succumbed to the injuries she sustained when struck by Anmer, the horse owned by King George V, during the so-called ‘Suffragette Derby’ at Epsom four days earlier. That night, fellow activists Kitty Marion and Clara Giveen set fire to the main grandstand at Hurst Park, reducing it to ‘a fantastic medley of charred wood, twisted iron, broken and melted glass…’ and causing an estimated £10,000 worth of damage. The pair were tried and convicted at Surrey Assizes in Guildford the following month but, despite being sentenced to three years apiece in Holloway Prison, were released early under the 1913 1913 Prisoners (Temporary Discharge for Ill-Health) Act, a.k.a. the Cat and Mouse Act, as the result of hunger striking.

Hurst Park survived, albeit that the resulting damage, coupled with the outbreak of World War I the following year, led to the cessation of racing at the venue 1916 amd 1918. It was a similar story during World War II, when Hurst Park became a military camp, housing British and American troops, between 1941 and 1945. Nevertheless, racing resumed after the cessation of hostilities and, in 1946, the Easter Monday meeting, transferred from nearby Kempton Park, featured a record attendance of 49,600, according to the Tote.

Indeed, the popularity of Hurst Park endured right up to its closure, following the final meeting on October 10, 1962. By that stage, though, the value of the land on which the racecourse stood, as a prime real estate location, far exceeded that as a sporting venue and the owners decided to cash in their investment. Much of the racecourse infrastructure disappeared; the turf, for example, was ripped up and relaid on the new National Hunt course at Ascot, which opened in 1965. However, the huge brick pillars on either side of Graburn Way, which originally supported large gates, still survive.