The Belmont Stakes stands at the pinnacle of American thoroughbred racing. Revered for both its tradition and challenge, it serves as the final leg of the Triple Crown.
With each passing year, the Belmont continues to blend its storied past with evolving chapters. The 2025 edition promises to be particularly memorable, as the race continues its temporary run at Saratoga. For fans and newcomers alike, understanding what makes this race unique adds meaning to the spectacle that unfolds on the track.
A Race Deeply Rooted in History
The Belmont Stakes, first held in 1867, predates both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes. Its origin can be traced back to the Jerome Park track in the Bronx before moving to Morris Park and eventually finding a long-term home at Belmont Park in 1905. Named after financier and racing enthusiast August Belmont Sr., the event quickly became a cornerstone of American horse racing.
Despite changes in venue over its history—including a brief period at the Aqueduct Racetrack, a major Thoroughbred horse racing facility located in Queens, New York City in the 1960s—the Belmont has maintained its reputation as the “Test of the Champion.” This moniker stems from the race’s grueling distance, typically 1½ miles, which pushes young thoroughbreds to their limits after the demanding Derby and Preakness.
However, ongoing renovations at Belmont Park have shifted the race to Saratoga Race Course in 2024 and 2025. Consequently, the race distance has been adjusted to 1¼ miles due to the track’s configuration, continuing a long-standing pattern of adaptation in Belmont’s legacy. Once the construction at Belmont Park is complete in 2026, the event will return to its traditional site.
The Challenge of the Triple Crown
Few races test a horse’s stamina and resilience quite like the Belmont Stakes. Traditionally the final race of the Triple Crown, it often determines whether a horse achieves racing immortality. Only 13 horses have swept the Derby, Preakness, and Belmont. Meanwhile, 20 others came tantalizingly close—winning the first two but failing to capture the third.
The Triple Crown series spans just five weeks, a tight schedule for such high-stakes competition. That compression amplifies the Belmont’s importance. The extended distance compared to the Preakness (1 3/16 miles) and sometimes the Derby (1¼ miles) further distinguishes it. The Belmont isn’t just another race—it’s the proving ground of icons. Case in point – in 1973, Secretariat cemented his legacy here, finishing 31 lengths ahead with a time of 2:24. That record still stands, symbolized by a special marker in his colors at Belmont Park.
Even when a Triple Crown is not on the line, the Belmont remains a magnet for elite horses, jockeys, and trainers. It often hosts rematches from the Derby or Preakness, adding rich narratives and rivalries to the race – the Belmont narrative counts, it’s a favorite among fans and is covered extensively by sportsbooks like FanDuel.
What to Expect in 2025
The 2025 Belmont Stakes, scheduled for June 7, continues its temporary residence at Saratoga. The race will again be contested at 1¼ miles, slightly shorter than its traditional form but no less demanding. The venue shift introduces new strategic variables, particularly the tighter turns and different surface characteristics of Saratoga.
This year’s Belmont Stakes could feature a compelling showdown between Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty and Preakness Stakes victor Journalism. Sovereignty skipped the Preakness to rest, while Journalism surged down the stretch at Pimlico to capture the second leg of the Triple Crown. Their potential clash at Saratoga may settle the debate over this year’s top three-year-old colt.
Beyond those two standouts, a strong field is emerging.
- Baeza, who placed third in the Derby, brings consistency and tactical speed,
- Gosger, second in the Preakness, showed heart in defeat and has the pedigree for more,
- Rodriguez, a winner in the Wood Memorial, adds depth to a competitive lineup,
- Hill Road enters with momentum after capturing the Peter Pan Stakes,
- Heart of Honor adds international intrigue with his connections to British trainer Jamie Osborne,
- Sovereignty rounds out what is shaping up to be a captivating field.
The race’s draw takes place on June 2, setting the stage for strategy discussions and frenzied research of betting angles. With a $2 million purse and national broadcast coverage, the stakes—financially and competitively—couldn’t be higher.
Beyond the Main Event: The Belmont Stakes Racing Festival
Modern Belmont weekends have expanded beyond a single race. The Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, running from June 6 to June 9, transforms Saratoga into a four-day celebration of the sport. More than 20 stakes races totaling over $10 million in purses create a showcase of top-level racing across divisions.
Introduced formally in 2014, the festival draws comparisons to a midseason Breeders’ Cup. It brings together sprinters, turf specialists, fillies, and distance runners in one extended meet.
Fans can witness emerging stars and established veterans all in one place, making it a highlight on the racing calendar for those who value history and pulse-pounding track action.
A Race Full of Symbolism and Tradition
No race of such magnitude comes without its symbols. The Belmont is represented by white carnations, a tradition that parallels the roses of the Derby and the black-eyed Susans of the Preakness. These flowers form a blanket draped over the winning horse, adding a layer of ritual to the post-race ceremony.
The Belmont Jewel, a mixture of bourbon, lemonade, and pomegranate juice, is the current official drink, served since 2011. Prior versions included the Belmont Breeze and, even earlier, the White Carnation cocktail. Though preferences change, each version honors the event’s festive spirit.
Even the music at Belmont reflects its evolving identity. Since 1997, “New York, New York” has served as the race’s anthem, echoing through the grandstands before the horses break from the gate. Although other songs have momentarily replaced it, tradition brought it back, a nod to the race’s deep ties with the Empire State.
Old Roots New Stories
The Belmont Stakes has always been more than just a race—it reflects the evolving landscape of American horse racing. From shifts in venue and distance to changes in cultural significance, the event has adapted with the times while staying true to its roots.
At its core, the Belmont remains a true test of endurance, tactics, and spirit. In 2025, it promises not just a winner, but a story—whether it crowns a Triple Crown champion or stands alone as a classic showdown. With a diverse lineup, a vibrant racing festival, and a temporary home at a historic venue, the Belmont Stakes continues to honor tradition while charting the sport’s future—stride by stride.
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