Belmonte Stakes Fun Facts

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We’ve created this list of 50 fun facts about the Belmonte Stakes!

In addition to over 50 fun facts about the Belmonte Stakes, learn more about its history, the best horses and jockeys, legends, traditions, and so much more!

Belmonte Stakes Fun Facts


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Fun Facts About the Belmonte Stakes – About the Belmonte Stakes

The Belmont Stakes, which is the third and final leg of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing.

The Belmont Stakes is a Grade 1 stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbred horses and is traditionally held on the first or second Saturday in June at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York.

The race is run over a distance of 1 1/2 miles (12 furlongs) and is known as the “Test of the Champion” due to its demanding distance and the fact that it is the longest of the three Triple Crown races.

The Belmont Stakes has a storied history and is one of the most prestigious and anticipated races of the year in the world of horse racing.

Fun Facts About the Belmonte Stakes – History of the Game

Before we get to the fun facts about the Belmonte Stakes, here’s a little bit about its history.

The Belmont Stakes has a long and storied history in American horse racing. The race was first held in 1867 at Jerome Park Racetrack in the Bronx, New York. It was named after August Belmont Sr., a prominent New York banker, politician, and racing enthusiast who helped establish the race.

The Belmont Stakes has been run continuously since its inception, with the exception of two years during World War I (1911 and 1912) and three years during World War II (1943-1945). The race has undergone several changes over the years, including changes in distance, location, and timing.

The race has been held at several different racetracks over the years, including Jerome Park, Morris Park, and Aqueduct before finding its permanent home at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York in 1905. The distance of the race has also varied, with the current distance of 1 1/2 miles being established in 1926.

The Belmont Stakes has played a crucial role in some of the most memorable moments in horse racing history. In 1973, the race saw the legendary Secretariat win the Triple Crown in record-breaking fashion, setting a still-standing track and stakes record of 2:24 for the 1 1/2 mile distance. Other notable Belmont Stakes winners include American Pharoah in 2015, Justify in 2018, and Seattle Slew in 1977.

Today, the Belmont Stakes remains one of the most prestigious and anticipated races in the world of horse racing, and is known as the “Test of the Champion” due to its demanding distance and the challenge it presents to even the most talented Thoroughbreds.

Belmonte Stakes Fun Facts

Fun Facts About the Belmonte Stakes – 50 Fun Facts

Here are 50 fun facts about the Belmonte Stakes:

  1. The Belmont Stakes is the oldest of the three Triple Crown races, having been first run in 1867.
  2. The race is named after August Belmont Sr., a prominent New York banker and racing enthusiast.
  3. The Belmont Stakes is also known as the “Test of the Champion” due to its demanding distance of 1 1/2 miles.
  4. The Belmont Stakes is held annually on the first or second Saturday in June.
  5. The race takes place at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York.
  6. The race is the third and final leg of the Triple Crown, following the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes.
  7. The Belmont Stakes has been won by 13 horses who also won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes to complete the Triple Crown.
  8. The fastest time ever recorded in the Belmont Stakes was 2:24 by Secretariat in 1973.
  9. The Belmont Stakes is the only Triple Crown race that has been run continuously at the same location since its inception.
  10. The Belmont Stakes was run at a different location in 1890 and 1891 due to the construction of Belmont Park.
  11. The Belmont Stakes was not run in 1911 and 1912 due to anti-gambling legislation in New York.
  12. The race was also not run in 1918 and 1919 due to World War I.
  13. The Belmont Stakes was not run from 1943 to 1945 due to World War II.
  14. The race was run at 1 5/8 miles from 1895 to 1925.
  15. The distance was changed to 1 1/2 miles in 1926 and has remained the same since.
  16. The Belmont Stakes was first broadcast on television in 1949.
  17. The first Belmont Stakes winner was a filly named Ruthless in 1867.
  18. The first Triple Crown winner was Sir Barton in 1919.
  19. The largest Belmont Stakes crowd ever was in 2004, with over 120,000 spectators.
  20. Belmont Park has a capacity of over 100,000 spectators.
  21. The official drink of the Belmont Stakes is the Belmont Breeze.
  22. The Belmont Stakes trophy is a silver bowl with a figure of Fenian on top.
  23. The winning horse is draped in a floral blanket of white carnations.
  24. The race has been won by horses from all three Triple Crown races.
  25. The Belmont Stakes has been won by a total of 24 fillies.
  26. The Belmont Stakes has been won by a total of 27 geldings.
  27. The Belmont Stakes has been won by a total of 68 colts.
  28. The oldest horse to win the Belmont Stakes was a six-year-old named Forester in 1882.
  29. The youngest jockey to win the Belmont Stakes was Peter Fuller, who was only 10 years old when he rode Duke of Magenta to victory in 1878.
  30. The race has been won by some of the most famous horses in history, including Secretariat, Affirmed, and Seattle Slew.
  31. The Belmont Stakes has been run a total of 152 times as of 2023.
  32. The Belmont Stakes has a purse of $1.5 million.
  33. The Belmont Stakes is the longest of the three Triple Crown races.
  34. The Belmont Stakes has been won by horses from a variety of countries, including the United States, Canada, Ireland, England, and France.
  35. The race has been won by horses with names like Secretariat, American Pharoah, and Seattle Slew.
  36. The Belmont Stakes is also known as the “Test of the Champion” due to its challenging 1.5-mile distance.
  37. The trophy for the Belmont Stakes is a silver bowl, presented by the Belmont family in 1869.
  38. The Belmont Stakes is one of the oldest continuously run stakes races in the United States.
  39. The race has been held at various distances throughout its history, ranging from 1 mile to 1.625 miles.
  40. The fastest time ever recorded in the Belmont Stakes was set by Secretariat in 1973, who completed the race in just 2:24.
  41. The Belmont Stakes was first broadcast on television in 1948.
  42. The event draws a large crowd, with over 90,000 people attending in some years.
  43. The race has been run with a crowd every year except for 2020, when it was run without spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  44. The Belmont Stakes is the final leg of the Triple Crown, following the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes.
  45. The first horse to win the Triple Crown was Sir Barton in 1919.
  46. The most recent Triple Crown winner was Justify in 2018.
  47. The Triple Crown has been won by only 13 horses in history.
  48. The Belmont Stakes has also been won by fillies and mares, including Rags to Riches in 2007 and Tanya in 1905.
  49. The oldest jockey to win the Belmont Stakes was Johnny Longden, who was 59 years old when he won in 1966.
  50. The Belmont Stakes is known for its festive atmosphere, with attendees wearing fancy hats and drinking mint juleps, just like at the Kentucky Derby.

We hope you enjoyed these fun facts about the Belmonte Stakes!

Belmonte Stakes Fun Facts

Fun Facts About Belmonte Stakes – 25 Fun Facts for Kids

Here are 25 fun facts about the Belmonte Stakes that kids might enjoy:

  1. The Belmont Stakes is a famous horse race that takes place in New York.
  2. It is one of the biggest horse races in the world.
  3. The race is named after August Belmont Sr., who was a famous racehorse owner.
  4. The Belmont Stakes is often called the “Test of the Champion” because it is the longest of the three Triple Crown races.
  5. The race is 1.5 miles long, which is about 12 furlongs.
  6. The race takes place at Belmont Park, which is a famous racetrack in New York.
  7. The Belmont Stakes was first run in 1867.
  8. The winner of the Belmont Stakes gets a trophy and a blanket of white carnations.
  9. The blanket of carnations is sometimes called the “Run for the Carnations”.
  10. The colors of the blanket are chosen to match the colors of the winning horse’s silks.
  11. The Belmont Stakes is the third and final race in the Triple Crown.
  12. The other two races in the Triple Crown are the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes.
  13. The Triple Crown is one of the most difficult feats in sports, because a horse has to win all three races to achieve it.
  14. Only 13 horses have ever won the Triple Crown.
  15. The most famous Triple Crown winner is probably Secretariat, who set a world record at the Belmont Stakes in 1973.
  16. Secretariat won the race by an incredible 31 lengths.
  17. The Belmont Stakes is sometimes called the “Graveyard of Champions” because many horses have lost there after winning the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes.
  18. The first horse to win the Triple Crown was Sir Barton in 1919.
  19. The last horse to win the Triple Crown was Justify in 2018.
  20. Justify was trained by Bob Baffert, who is one of the most famous trainers in horse racing.
  21. The Belmont Stakes has been held at various distances throughout history, ranging from 1 mile to 1.625 miles.
  22. The race has been won by fillies and mares, including Rags to Riches in 2007 and Tanya in 1905.
  23. The oldest jockey to win the Belmont Stakes was Johnny Longden, who was 59 years old when he won in 1966.
  24. The Belmont Stakes is known for its festive atmosphere, with attendees wearing fancy hats and drinking mint juleps, just like at the Kentucky Derby.
  25. The Belmont Stakes is a great event for families to attend, with lots of fun activities and food to enjoy.

We hope you enjoyed these fun facts about the Belmonte Stakes!

Fun Facts About the Belmonte Stakes – Rules of the Sport

The rules of the Belmont Stakes are similar to those of other horse races. In addition to the fun facts about the Belmonte Stakes, here are some details about its rules

  1. The race is open to three-year-old Thoroughbred horses only.
  2. The horses must meet certain qualifications in order to be eligible to race, including having won a certain amount of money in previous races.
  3. The race is run on dirt and is 1.5 miles long.
  4. Each horse is assigned a certain weight to carry during the race, based on factors such as their previous racing performance.
  5. The jockeys must weigh in before and after the race to ensure that they are carrying the proper weight.
  6. The horses and jockeys are assigned post positions, which determine where they start the race from.
  7. The horses are loaded into starting gates and released at the sound of the starting bell.
  8. The first horse to cross the finish line is the winner.
  9. Horses must stay in their designated lanes and are not allowed to interfere with other horses or jockeys during the race.
  10. There are certain restrictions on the use of equipment, such as whips and blinkers, which are designed to ensure fair competition.
  11. The horses must pass a veterinary inspection before the race to ensure that they are fit to compete.
  12. Any horse found to be in violation of the rules may be disqualified, and the race results may be altered accordingly.

Fun Facts About the Belmonte Stakes – Where It’s Raced

The Belmont Stakes is held annually at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York.

Belmont Park is a horse racing facility located on Long Island, just outside of New York City.

The track has a 1.5-mile dirt track and a 1-mile turf course.

It is the only one of the three Triple Crown races that is held in New York.

Belmonte Stakes Fun Facts

Fun Facts About the Belmonte Stakes – Best Horses

The Belmonte Stakes has seen many great horses over the years, but here are some fun facts about the Belmonte Stakes and some of the most famous and successful horses in the history of the race.

  1. Secretariat (1973) – Considered by many to be the greatest racehorse of all time, Secretariat set a world record time of 2:24 for the 1.5 mile distance in his Belmont Stakes victory.
  2. Seattle Slew (1977) – Seattle Slew was the first horse to win the Triple Crown while still undefeated. He won the Belmont Stakes by four lengths.
  3. Affirmed (1978) – Affirmed won the Triple Crown in 1978, defeating arch-rival Alydar in all three races. He won the Belmont Stakes by a nose in one of the greatest horse races of all time.
  4. American Pharoah (2015) – American Pharoah became the first horse to win the Triple Crown in 37 years in 2015. He won the Belmont Stakes by 5 1/2 lengths, completing the 1.5 mile distance in 2:26.65.
  5. Risen Star (1988) – Risen Star won the Belmont Stakes by 14 3/4 lengths, which is still the largest margin of victory in the race’s history.
  6. Count Fleet (1943) – Count Fleet won the Belmont Stakes by a record 25 lengths, which is still the largest margin of victory in any Triple Crown race.
  7. Citation (1948) – Citation won the Triple Crown in 1948 and set a record time of 2:28.2 in the Belmont Stakes, a record that stood for 25 years.
  8. Easy Goer (1989) – Easy Goer won the Belmont Stakes by eight lengths, which is the second largest margin of victory in the race’s history.
  9. Gallant Fox (1930) – Gallant Fox was the second horse to win the Triple Crown, and he did it by winning the Belmont Stakes by three lengths.
  10. Sir Barton (1919) – Sir Barton was the first horse to win the Triple Crown, and he did it by winning the Belmont Stakes by five lengths.

Fun Facts About the Belmonte Stakes – Best Jockeys

The Belmonte Stakes has seen many great jockeys over the years, but here are some fun facts about the Belmonte Stakes some of the most successful and famous jockeys in the history of the race:

  1. Eddie Arcaro – Arcaro won the Belmont Stakes six times in his career, including wins aboard Citation, Whirlaway, and Nashua.
  2. James McLaughlin – McLaughlin won the Belmont Stakes five times in his career, including wins aboard Man o’ War and Grey Lag.
  3. Jim Fitzsimmons – Fitzsimmons won the Belmont Stakes four times in his career, including wins aboard Gallant Fox and Omaha.
  4. Bill Shoemaker – Shoemaker won the Belmont Stakes four times in his career, including wins aboard Gallant Man and Damascus.
  5. Gary Stevens – Stevens won the Belmont Stakes three times in his career, including wins aboard Thunder Gulch and Point Given.
  6. Kent Desormeaux – Desormeaux won the Belmont Stakes three times in his career, including wins aboard Real Quiet and Big Brown.
  7. Ron Turcotte – Turcotte won the Belmont Stakes three times in his career, including wins aboard Secretariat.
  8. Jerry Bailey – Bailey won the Belmont Stakes three times in his career, including wins aboard Empire Maker and Hansel.
  9. Mike Smith – Smith has won the Belmont Stakes three times in his career, including wins aboard Drosselmeyer and Justify.
  10. Laffit Pincay Jr. – Pincay Jr. won the Belmont Stakes three times in his career, including wins aboard Swale and Conquistador Cielo.

These are just a few of the many great jockeys who have competed in the Belmonte Stakes over the years, and each has left their own unique mark on the history of the race.

Fun Facts About the Belmonte Stakes – Greatest Records

The Belmonte Stakes has a long and storied history, and there are many records that have been set and broken over the years. Here are some fun facts about the Belmonte Stakes and some of the most notable records in the history of the event:

  1. Fastest Winning Time: Secretariat holds the record for the fastest winning time in the Belmont Stakes, completing the race in 2 minutes and 24 seconds in 1973.
  2. Most Wins by a Jockey: Eddie Arcaro and Jim McLaughlin hold the record for the most wins by a jockey in the Belmont Stakes, each winning the race five times.
  3. Most Wins by a Trainer: James G. Rowe Sr. holds the record for the most wins by a trainer in the Belmont Stakes, winning the race eight times between 1883 and 1913.
  4. Most Wins by an Owner: Belair Stud holds the record for the most wins by an owner in the Belmont Stakes, winning the race seven times between 1930 and 1955.
  5. Largest Winning Margin: The largest winning margin in Belmont Stakes history was by 31 lengths, achieved by Secretariat in 1973.
  6. Triple Crown Winners: 13 horses have won the Triple Crown, which includes the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes. The most recent horse to achieve this feat was Justify in 2018.
  7. Most Consecutive Wins: The most consecutive wins by a horse in the Belmont Stakes is two, achieved by several horses including Count Fleet, Citation, and Seattle Slew.
  8. Most Starts: Lurullah holds the record for the most starts in the Belmont Stakes, with six appearances between 1910 and 1915.
  9. Oldest Winner: The oldest horse to win the Belmont Stakes was Forego, who won the race in 1976 at the age of 6.
  10. Most Expensive Winner: The most expensive horse to win the Belmont Stakes was Sarava, who won the race in 2002 and was purchased for $45,000 as a yearling.

These are just a few of the many records in the history of the Belmonte Stakes, and each one represents a remarkable achievement in the world of thoroughbred horse racing.

Belmonte Stakes Fun Facts

About the Belmonte Stakes – Legends

The Belmonte Stakes has been a part of American culture for over a century, and as such, many legends and stories have developed around the race. Here are some fun facts about the Belmonte Stakes and some of the most famous legends associated with the event:

  1. Secretariat: Widely considered one of the greatest racehorses of all time, Secretariat’s record-breaking victory in the 1973 Belmont Stakes is legendary. He won the race by 31 lengths and set a new track record that still stands today.
  2. Woody Stephens: Trainer Woody Stephens won the Belmont Stakes five years in a row between 1982 and 1986, an incredible feat that has never been duplicated.
  3. Bill Shoemaker: Jockey Bill Shoemaker won four Belmont Stakes during his illustrious career, including his dramatic victory aboard Gallant Man in 1957, where he accidentally stood up in the stirrups prematurely and lost the race by a nose.
  4. Ruffian: Considered by many to be one of the greatest fillies in racing history, Ruffian tragically broke down during a match race against Foolish Pleasure in 1975 and was euthanized. Her dominance in races leading up to the Belmont Stakes was legendary.
  5. Man o’ War: Widely regarded as one of the greatest racehorses of all time, Man o’ War won the Belmont Stakes in 1920 by an astonishing 20 lengths, setting a new track record in the process.
  6. Eddie Arcaro: Jockey Eddie Arcaro won the Belmont Stakes a record-tying five times during his career, including victories aboard Citation and Nashua.
  7. D. Wayne Lukas: Trainer D. Wayne Lukas has won the Belmont Stakes four times, including victories with Tabasco Cat in 1994 and Thunder Gulch in 1995.
  8. Affirmed and Alydar: The rivalry between Affirmed and Alydar in the 1978 Triple Crown races, including the Belmont Stakes, is legendary. Affirmed won all three races, but Alydar finished second in each of them and pushed Affirmed to the limit.

These are just a few of the many legends and stories associated with the Belmonte Stakes, and they add to the rich history and lore of this iconic American sporting event.

About the Belmonte Stakes – Traditions

The Belmonte Stakes is steeped in tradition, and there are many long-standing customs and rituals associated with the race. Here are some fun facts about the Belmonte Stakes and some of the most famous Belmonte Stakes traditions:

  1. The Trophy: The winner of the Belmont Stakes is awarded the August Belmont Trophy, a sterling silver bowl that has been awarded since the inaugural running of the race in 1867.
  2. The Call to Post: Just before each race, a bugler plays the traditional “Call to Post” tune, signaling that the horses are about to enter the starting gate.
  3. The White Carnations: The official flower of the Belmont Stakes is the white carnation. The winning horse is draped in a blanket of white carnations after the race, while the winning jockey and trainer are presented with a bouquet.
  4. The Song “New York, New York”: After the race, the Frank Sinatra classic “New York, New York” is played over the loudspeakers at Belmont Park.
  5. The Distance: The Belmont Stakes is the longest of the three Triple Crown races, at 1 1/2 miles. This distance is often referred to as the “Test of the Champion” because it challenges horses to show their stamina and endurance.
  6. The Post Parade: Before the race, the horses are paraded around the track so that fans can see them up close and get a sense of which horses are looking particularly strong and confident.
  7. The Infield: The infield at Belmont Park is a popular spot for fans to gather and watch the race. While it used to be a raucous party scene, it is now a more family-friendly area with food and drink vendors and activities for kids.

These are just a few of the many traditions associated with the Belmonte Stakes, and they add to the unique character and charm of this iconic American sporting event.

About the Belmonte Stakes – Movies

There have been several movies made about the Belmonte Stakes over the years. Here are some fun facts about the Belmonte Stakes and a few of the most famous movies about it:

  1. Secretariat (2010) – This Disney movie tells the story of the legendary racehorse Secretariat and his journey to winning the Triple Crown, including his dominating performance in the 1973 Belmont Stakes.
  2. Seabiscuit (2003) – Based on the bestselling book, this movie tells the true story of the underdog racehorse Seabiscuit and his unlikely rise to fame in the 1930s. The Belmont Stakes plays a key role in the film’s climactic race sequence.
  3. Let It Ride (1989) – This comedy stars Richard Dreyfuss as a compulsive gambler who hits a hot streak on the day of the Belmont Stakes. The movie is a lighthearted take on the excitement and drama of horse racing.
  4. Ruffian (2007) – This made-for-TV movie tells the story of Ruffian, a filly who was considered one of the greatest racehorses of all time before a tragic injury during a match race with Foolish Pleasure led to her death. The Belmont Stakes is one of the races Ruffian wins in the film.
  5. Phar Lap (1983) – This biographical drama tells the story of the Australian racehorse Phar Lap, who became a national icon in the 1930s before his mysterious death. While the Belmont Stakes is not featured prominently in the film, it is mentioned as one of the races Phar Lap won during his career.

These are just a few of the many movies that have been made about the Belmonte Stakes, and they offer a glimpse into the rich history and drama of this iconic American sporting event.

Other Interesting Things About the Belmonte Stakes – Quotes

The Belmonte Stakes has inspired many memorable quotes over the years, from famous jockeys and trainers to beloved writers and celebrities. In addition to the fun facts about the Belmonte Stakes, here are a few notable quotes about it:

  1. “The Belmont is one of the greatest races in the world. It has a great tradition, and the race has always been very good to me.” – Jockey Eddie Arcaro
  2. “The Belmont is the ultimate test of a racehorse’s stamina, and it’s the race that every owner, trainer, and jockey dreams of winning.” – Trainer Bob Baffert
  3. “The Belmont is the toughest of the Triple Crown races. You need a horse with a big heart and a lot of courage to win it.” – Jockey Gary Stevens
  4. “The Belmont is the race that separates the men from the boys. It’s the longest, most grueling, and most demanding of the Triple Crown races.” – Trainer D. Wayne Lukas
  5. “The Belmont is the ultimate challenge for a Thoroughbred. To win it, you have to be not just fast, but strong, determined, and fearless.” – Trainer Todd Pletcher

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Belmonte Stakes Fun Facts

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