The Belmont Stakes is an American horse race that takes place annually. The spelling of "Belmont" can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA): /ˈbɛlmɑːnt/. The "B" is pronounced as "buh," the "e" as "eh," the "l" as "el," the "m" as "em," the "o" as "aw," the "n" as "n," and the "t" as "tuh." The "Stakes" part is pronounced as expected, with the "S" as "ess," the "t" as "tuh," the "a" as "ey," the "k" as "k," and the "s" as "ess."
Belmont Stakes is a renowned Grade I Thoroughbred horse race held annually in the United States. It is one of the prestigious events that comprise the Triple Crown series, alongside the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes. The race is traditionally conducted on a dirt track at Belmont Park racetrack in Elmont, New York.
Established in 1867, the Belmont Stakes is the oldest among the three Triple Crown races and is often referred to as the "Test of the Champion." Typically held on the first or second Saturday in June, the event covers a distance of 1.5 miles, making it the longest race in the series. It is open to three-year-old Thoroughbred horses that undergo a rigorous qualification process to earn a place in the race.
The Belmont Stakes holds significant importance, as it is the concluding leg of the highly coveted Triple Crown. The race has witnessed numerous historical moments, including unforgettable victories and heartbreaking near-misses. For example, the Belmont Stakes became the scene of Secretariat's record-breaking performance in 1973, where he triumphed by an astonishing 31 lengths, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest racehorses of all time.
Attending the Belmont Stakes has become a celebrated experience for racing enthusiasts, attracting large crowds that revel in the festive ambiance. The event is accompanied by various traditions, such as the singing of the famous anthem "New York, New York" and the presentation of the Triple Crown trophy to the winning connections.
The word "Belmont" in "Belmont Stakes" comes from the name Belmont Park, which is a horse racing track located in Elmont, New York. The track was named after August Belmont, a prominent American financier and horse racing enthusiast who played a significant role in developing horse racing in the United States during the 19th century. The "Stakes" part refers to the type of race, as the Belmont Stakes is a prestigious thoroughbred horse race that is part of the Triple Crown series, along with the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes.