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.

I’ve not been to many horse racecourse in my life. In fact, I can count them on two hands. In truth, each racecourses holds a story which, in ways, goes beyond just a day at the races. Those I have visited include: Great Yarmouth, Newmarket, Leicester, Kempton (turf), Royal Ascot, Huntingdon & Fakenham.

Considering there are 59 racecourse in Britain there’s ample opportunity to travel near or far.

The question arose: ‘Which is your favourite racecourse?’ when travelling with my two brothers to Great Yarmouth, for a day at the races. The train inspector came around to check our tickets and we go chatting about our trip to the Norfolk racecourse. I asked him about his favourite and he said Cartmel, which is small national hunt racecourse in the village of Cartmel in the county of Cumbria. It’s a compact course which is dog friendly detailing 9 fixtures throughout the season. The most prestigious race being the Cumbria Crystal Cup which takes place in July.

This got me thinking about 3 racecourses I would love to visit.

In no particular order:

Killarney, Ireland –

I’ve never visited Ireland which is a real shame and something I intend to put right with a day or two’s racing at Killarney. I had heard people saying it was set in a beautiful location so I had a look on Google Maps. I was inspired by this racecourse in the Emerald Isle. Called ‘Ireland’s most scenic racecourse’ located at County Kerry. The course dates back to 1822 and stages both national hunt and flat racing. It’s a beautiful location, a stones throw from Ross Castle and Lough Leane in the Killarney National Park. It looks a truly amazing experience.

Musselburgh, Scotland –

I didn’t realise how close Musselburgh racecourse was to the coast but you can probably hear the sound of crashing waves. Just seven miles from the beautiful city of Edinburgh, East Lothian. Opened in 1816 this national hunt and flat racecourse holds 29 meetings annually. Tickets range from £16 – £21 with children 17 and under going free (concessions are available for many). Musselburgh is a one course I really would enjoy a day’s racing and a tourist hotspot with Edinburgh just down the road.

Warwick, England –

It makes me sad to think I will never be able to visit Warwick racecourse. I know what you are saying: ‘Well, it’s easy you only need to visit and enjoy a day’s racing.’ Sadly, I wish I could go and watch a Flat racing meeting. However, all horse racing fans know that will never happen again as the course ceased with Flat racing in 2014 after a horse was fatally injured. I loved the old dogleg bend, especially with the two-year-old horse racing. There was often a difference of opinion which part of the course was running fastest so horses would often spread across the course to the extreme rails. Not being a fan of the national hunt those exciting days of juvenile racing will be no more.

There are lots of reasons to go to the racecourse. You have the race horses, bookmakers to place your bets and a bustling crowd. You’ve never had a better opportunity to people watch or have a chat with some random soul. I’ve been to a limited number of racecourses. In fact, I wrote an article titled: 5 Racecourses I’ve Visited In My Life. You’ve guesses it, the five strangest happenings have occurred at those racecourses. Here are a three memorable moments that stick in my mind. There are others which I will keep for another day.

1) A Man With 3 Hats

It’s common to see someone wearing a hat at the races. Depending upon the racecourse and meeting it may range from a bobble, flat cap or top hat. Personally, I’m odds on not to be seen wearing a hat. However, have you ever seen a man with three hats? I was with my brothers at Great Yarmouth in the member’s enclosure, the bar which leads to the Trafalgar Restaurant. I notice a well dressed man with a plastic bag standing at the bar, hat in hand, chatting to someone behind the bar. I guessed they were talking about the hats. He had a bright pink hat in the style of a bowler. I see him put it on. Talk a little more. Showing it to the bartender and then carefully taking another hat out of the bag putting it on the bar. They had a conversation for about ten minutes. Then, the mysterious the hat man put all three hats back in his plastic bag and left. I’m not sure whether he left the racecourse or mingled with the bustling crowd. Perhaps he wore one of those hats or alternated between all three. I couldn’t help but wonder what was the hat man’s story. Did he make the hats? Was he interested in selling them? Did he live at Great Yarmouth? For the life of me, I wish I had gone to the bar and listened to the conversation or said: ‘I like those hats!’ Perhaps his story was bog standard and nothing to tell but perhaps it was the most amazing tale I would ever hear.

2) It Was So Cold Even The ‘Blank’ Shivered

Being a fair-weather gambler I usually stick to Flat racing meetings, specifically Great Yarmouth. There’s nothing worse than a wet day. I had a spate of times going racing where the morning would be bright and sunny but by the second race it would be hammering down with rain. Once, I got a bus back into town with a saturated crowd. It looked like we had been rescued from a stricken vessel on the North sea. However, this story is about a day’s racing at Fakenham, in the middle of winter. It was the first time I ventured to this racecourse. It has a farming feel with lots of wax jackets, flat caps, tweed and wellington boots. Being a rural setting the course allows dogs as long as they are kept on their lead. There seemed to be dogs everywhere. Lot of Jack Russells, Labradors, a few fancy breeds, all well behaved. My cousin, Danny, stood chatting when a man with a greyhound stopped a few yards away. I imagine it was a rescue dog. It looked smart wearing a tartan jacket. It must have been a frost that morning with a horrid wind, the chill factor must have been minus. The greyhound was shivering with cold. I’m pretty sure if I had got closer I would have heard its teeth chattering. My cousin, always funny, made a few jokes and I couldn’t help but smile. It was far too cold for man nor beast.

3) I’m Not Sure What She Looks Like

This happened at Great Yarmouth racecourse. A kind of funny moment in ways but one which stuck in my mind. I’d joined a horse racing syndicate called Newmarket Equine Tours, run by a lovely lady Julia Feilden. The Ducking Stool was running that afternoon and it was the first time I had attended the syndicate. I was told to meet Julia in the owners and trainers bar, which seemed kind of exciting but alien as I’m very much a Tattersall’s man. So I put on my best jacket, looking half respectable and entered the bar which was busy with the great and good of racing. I was looking around to see if Julia was there but couldn’t see her anywhere. It then dawned on me that I wasn’t really sure what she looked like! I said to myself: ‘This isn’t going very well.’ I felt a little out of place just standing there looking at a hundred faces. I see a waitress and asked: ‘Do you know if Julia Feilden is here?’ She looked and couldn’t see her. However, she knew George Margarson, a Newmarket horse trainer, who sat at a table next to where I was standing. Moments later I was chatting with George who said she had to leave because there was a problem at the stables. Eventually she returned and introduced me to the rest of the syndicate, a friendly bunch. It was a good time had by all and a season I greatly enjoyed. That day The Ducking Stool finished fourth but she was a true star at the course and had won many times before retiring to a good home.