The Belmont Futurity Stakes is a horse racing event held annually at Belmont Park in New York. The word "Belmont" is pronounced /ˈbɛlmɑnt/ (BEL-mont), with the stress on the first syllable. "Futurity" is pronounced /fjʊˈtjʊrəti/ (fyoo-TYOO-ri-tee), with the stress on the second syllable. "Stakes" is pronounced /steɪks/ (stakes), with the stress on the first syllable. Together, the correct pronunciation of this prestigious horse race is "BEL-mont fyoo-TYOO-ri-tee STAKES".
The Belmont Futurity Stakes is a prestigious horse racing event held annually at Belmont Park, a racetrack located in Elmont, New York. It is specifically a stakes race for two-year-old Thoroughbred horses and is considered one of the premier races for young horses in the United States.
The word "Futurity" in the race's name refers to the fact that it forecasts the future potential of the participating horses. It serves as a platform for breeders, owners, trainers, and jockeys to showcase the talent and promising abilities of their young horses. The race holds immense significance within the horse racing community due to its rich history, tradition, and the high-caliber competition it attracts.
The Belmont Futurity Stakes typically covers a distance of seven furlongs, or 1 and 3/16 miles, on a dirt track. It is a highly anticipated event, often drawing large crowds of spectators and generating considerable betting activity. The winner of the Belmont Futurity Stakes not only receives significant prize money but also earns considerable prestige and recognition within the racing industry.
Being one of the oldest stakes races in the United States, the Belmont Futurity Stakes has evolved to become a true test of speed, stamina, and overall quality in young horses. Many horses that have performed well in this race have gone on to have successful careers as three-year-olds in esteemed events such as the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes.