The Belmont Stakes, the ultimate test of endurance and skill, crowned Dornoch as its 2024 champion. Trained by Danny Gargan, Dornoch captured the hearts of racing enthusiasts with a powerful performance at Saratoga Race Course.
Known as the “Test of the Champion,” the Belmont Stakes demands exceptional stamina and strategy from both horse and rider. This year’s victory highlights the meticulous preparation and sheer determination it takes to triumph in this legendary event.
As the final jewel of the Triple Crown series, the Belmont Stakes stands as a testament to the resilience and excellence of thoroughbred racing. Dive deeper into this guide to uncover the race highlights, Dornoch’s journey to victory, and what makes this prestigious race an unforgettable spectacle.
Historic Belmont Stakes Winners
The Belmont Stakes has a rich history marked by remarkable performances and legendary horses. Here, we explore historic wins by Justify, American Pharoah, and Secretariat.
Justify’s Triple Crown Win
Justify made headlines in 2018 by clinching the Belmont Stakes and completing the prestigious Triple Crown. This win was particularly significant as Justify became the 13th horse in history to achieve this remarkable feat (Britannica). Trained by Bob Baffert and ridden by jockey Mike Smith, Justify captivated audiences with a series of stunning victories. Explore more about what horse has won the triple crown for an in-depth look at these champions.
American Pharoah’s Victory
In 2015, American Pharoah broke a 37-year Triple Crown drought by winning the Belmont Stakes with a time of 2:26.65 (Wikipedia). This victory not only solidified his name in horse racing history but also electrified the nation. Trained by Bob Baffert and ridden by jockey Victor Espinoza, American Pharoah’s achievements rekindled a love for the sport among enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Secretariat’s Record-Breaking Race
Secretariat’s 1973 Belmont Stakes win remains one of the most iconic moments in horse racing history. He won by an astonishing thirty-one lengths, setting a record time of 2:24 that still stands today (Wikipedia). Secretariat, often hailed as one of the greatest racehorses ever, demonstrated unparalleled speed and endurance. For more on Secretariat’s exceptional abilities, see how fast horse can run and how high can horse jump.
| Horse Name | Year | Winning Time | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secretariat | 1973 | 2:24 | Record-breaking race, 31-length win |
| American Pharoah | 2015 | 2:26.65 | First Triple Crown in 37 years |
| Justify | 2018 | 2:28.18 | Undefeated campaign, 13th Triple Crown Winner |
For those interested in more about horse racing and the remarkable feats achieved by these legendary horses, visit how horse racing works.
An Extended Table of Belmont Stakes winners and their race times where available, based on accessible data from reliable horse racing archives and datasets :
| Year | Winner | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Dornoch | Not yet published |
| 2023 | Arcangelo | 2:29.23 |
| 2022 | Mo Donegal | 2:28.28 |
| 2021 | Essential Quality | 2:27.11 |
| 2020 | Tiz the Law | 1:46.53 (shortened distance) |
| 2019 | Sir Winston | 2:28.30 |
| 2018 | Justify | 2:28.18 |
| 2017 | Tapwrit | 2:30.02 |
| 2016 | Creator | 2:28.51 |
| 2015 | American Pharoah | 2:26.65 |
| 2014 | Tonalist | 2:28.52 |
| 2013 | Palace Malice | 2:30.70 |
| 2012 | Union Rags | 2:30.42 |
| 2011 | Ruler On Ice | 2:30.88 |
| 2010 | Drosselmeyer | 2:31.57 |
| 2009 | Summer Bird | 2:27.54 |
| 2008 | Da’ Tara | 2:29.65 |
| 2007 | Rags to Riches (f) | 2:28.74 |
| 2006 | Jazil | 2:27.86 |
| 2005 | Afleet Alex | 2:28.75 |
| 2004 | Birdstone | 2:27.50 |
| 2003 | Empire Maker | 2:28.26 |
| 2002 | Sarava | 2:29.71 |
| 2001 | Point Given | 2:26.56 |
| 2000 | Commendable | 2:31.19 |
For older races, many times are less reliably documented or missing from public archives. Belmont Stakes timing data for earlier years, especially pre-1930, is inconsistently recorded. I recommend referring to specialized horse racing archives like All Horse Racing and Horse Racing Datasets for detailed datasets
Understanding the context and history of the Belmont Stakes provides a deeper appreciation for these extraordinary winners. These horses not only captured the titles but also the hearts of horse racing fans across the world.
Notable Belmont Stakes Performances
Curious about memorable Belmont Stakes performances? Here are some stellar victories that have captivated hearts and minds.
Arcangelo’s 2023 Win
Arcangelo claimed victory in the 2023 Belmont Stakes, showcasing a remarkable display of speed and endurance at Belmont Park. This win added yet another memorable chapter to the long history of the Belmont Stakes. For a detailed understanding of racing dynamics, explore how horse racing works.
| Year | Horse | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Arcangelo | Time TBD |
Affirmed’s Last 20th Century Win
Affirmed was the last horse of the 20th century to win the Triple Crown, capturing the Belmont Stakes on June 10, 1978. His winning time was 2:26 4/5 (Wikipedia). Affirmed’s performance remains iconic, especially for those interested in the rich history of Triple Crown champions. To know more about Triple Crown achievements, head over to our section on what horse has won the triple crown.
| Year | Horse | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1978 | Affirmed | 2:26 4/5 |
Mo Donegal’s 2022 Triumph
Mo Donegal triumphed in the 154th running of the Belmont Stakes on June 11, 2022. With a winning time of 2:28.28, Mo Donegal’s victory was celebrated by fans and horse racing enthusiasts alike (Wikipedia). Owned by Jerry Crawford, trained by Todd Pletcher, and ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., Mo Donegal’s win was a team effort.
| Year | Horse | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Mo Donegal | 2:28.28 |
For more stories and records related to the Belmont Stakes, explore other sections of our site. Whether it’s the race times, horse traits or jockey expertise, the Belmont Stakes continues to amaze fans year after year. And if you want to dive deeper into fascinating facts about horse racing, don’t miss our article on how fast horse can run.
Triple Crown Champions
Winning the Belmont Stakes is a monumental achievement on its own, but when it’s the final jewel in completing the Triple Crown, it solidifies a horse’s place in history. Let’s explore the incredible campaigns of three Triple Crown champions: Justify, American Pharoah, and Secretariat.
Justify’s Undefeated Campaign
Justify made a name for himself by achieving the prestigious Triple Crown in 2018. This undefeated stallion captured the victory at the Belmont Stakes, solidifying his place as the 13th Triple Crown champion.
| Race | Date | Winning Time | Margin of Victory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Derby | May 5, 2018 | 2:04.20 | 2 1/2 lengths |
| Preakness Stakes | May 19, 2018 | 1:55.93 | 1/2 length |
| Belmont Stakes | June 9, 2018 | 2:28.18 | 1 3/4 lengths |
Source: Britannica
For more details about the Belmont Stakes, visit our page on how horse racing works.
American Pharoah’s Historic Triple Crown
Before Justify, another remarkable horse claimed the Triple Crown title. American Pharoah ended a 37-year drought by winning the Belmont Stakes in 2015 with a time of 2:26.65. Becoming the 12th horse to claim the Triple Crown, he captured the hearts of many with his speed and stamina.
| Race | Date | Winning Time | Margin of Victory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Derby | May 2, 2015 | 2:03.02 | 1 length |
| Preakness Stakes | May 16, 2015 | 1:58.46 | 7 lengths |
| Belmont Stakes | June 6, 2015 | 2:26.65 | 5 1/2 lengths |
Source: Wikipedia
To learn more about American Pharoah’s exceptional achievements, visit our article on what horse has won the triple crown.
Secretariat’s Dominance
Secretariat remains one of the most celebrated Triple Crown champions in history. In 1973, he clinched the Belmont Stakes with an astonishing performance, winning by thirty-one lengths and setting a record time of 2:24. Secretariat’s win at the Belmont was part of his legendary sweep, with record times in all three Triple Crown races.
| Race | Date | Winning Time | Margin of Victory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Derby | May 5, 1973 | 1:59.40 | 2 1/2 lengths |
| Preakness Stakes | May 19, 1973 | 1:53.00 | 2 1/2 lengths |
| Belmont Stakes | June 9, 1973 | 2:24.00 | 31 lengths |
Source: Associated Press
Discover more about Secretariat and the factors contributing to his historical wins in our section on Racing Legends.
These extraordinary horses have not only won the Belmont Stakes but have also completed the Triple Crown, securing their legacies in the annals of horse racing history. For further insights into their remarkable achievements, you can explore our articles on what horse has won the triple crown and how fast horse can run.
Belmont Stakes Records
Secretariat’s Unbeatable Time
Secretariat remains one of the most celebrated names in horse racing, particularly for his record-breaking performance in the 1973 Belmont Stakes. He set an unprecedented world record for the 1.5-mile distance with a time of 2:24 flat, winning by an astonishing 31 lengths (Quora). This time has never been beaten, making it one of the greatest feats in horse racing history.
| Year | Horse | Time (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Secretariat | 2:24 |
Additionally, Secretariat’s performance featured an exceptionally fast first half, running at 1:09.8 for the first 6 furlongs. Despite this blistering pace, he did not fade but instead continued his dominant run to secure the victory. The accuracy of this timing has been validated through modern reexaminations, further solidifying his status.
Notable Race Distances
The Belmont Stakes, often referred to as the “Test of the Champion,” features the longest distance among the Triple Crown races. The race is run over 1.5 miles (12 furlongs), a true test of endurance and speed for Thoroughbreds.
| Race | Distance |
|---|---|
| Belmont Stakes | 1.5 miles (12 furlongs) |
| Kentucky Derby | 1.25 miles (10 furlongs) |
| Preakness Stakes | 1.19 miles (9.5 furlongs) |
The extended distance of the Belmont Stakes is one reason why it holds a significant place in how horse racing works. Horses need to possess a blend of stamina and speed to prevail in this demanding race.
Impact of Track Conditions
Track conditions play a pivotal role in the performance of horses in races like the Belmont Stakes. Factors such as weather, track surface, and maintenance can significantly impact race outcomes.
| Condition | Effect on Performance |
|---|---|
| Wet/Muddy Track | Higher risk of slipping; tends to slow down most horses |
| Dry/Fast Track | Generally allows for faster times and better traction |
| Variable Conditions | Can create unpredictability, impacting race strategies |
Secretariat’s victory in 1973 exemplified his ability to perform under varying conditions. His exceptional traits—natural running straightness, large heart, wide neck for oxygen transport, muscular build, keen intelligence, and competitive personality—combined with favorable track conditions, contributed to his historic win (Quora).
Understanding the roles of these factors provides better insights into the complexities of what horse won the Belmont Stakes and the intricate dynamics of horse racing. For more on race lengths and horse capabilities, refer to our article on how fast horse can run.
Racing Legends
Examining the exceptional traits and performances of legendary racehorses contributes to a deeper appreciation of their achievements. This section focuses on Secretariat, jockey expertise, and the crucial factors that led to historic wins in the Belmont Stakes.
Secretariat’s Exceptional Traits
Secretariat remains one of the most iconic figures in horse racing history. His extraordinary physical and psychological traits set him apart from many other horses.
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Natural Straightness | Secretariat maintained an unusually straight run pattern, maximizing his speed and efficiency. |
| Huge Stride | His enormous stride allowed him to cover more ground with fewer strides than his competitors. |
| Large “X” Heart | The horse had a significantly large heart, enhancing his oxygen transport capability and stamina. |
| Wide Neck | His broad neck facilitated better oxygen intake, allowing for prolonged peak performance. |
| Muscular Conformation | Secretariat’s muscular build provided immense power and speed. |
| Keen Intelligence | His sharp intellect and competitive nature enabled quick decision-making and adaptability during races. |
In his historic Belmont Stakes victory on June 9, 1973, Secretariat set a world record for the 1.5-mile distance with a time of 2:24 flat, a record that still stands today (Wikipedia). He won by an unprecedented 31 lengths, redefining what horse racing enthusiasts thought a racehorse could achieve (Quora).
Role of Jockey Expertise
Jockey expertise is a crucial component in the success of racehorses. Jockeys need to possess a deep understanding of their horse’s capabilities and the race strategy required to maximize those abilities.
Key elements of jockey expertise:
- Strategic Positioning: Knowing when to push the horse and when to hold back.
- Race Timing: Judging the perfect moment to make a move.
- Communication: Developing a strong rapport with the horse to respond to subtle signals.
- Adaptability: Quick decision-making in response to race dynamics and track conditions.
In Secretariat’s case, jockey Ron Turcotte’s exceptional handling and keen insight guided the horse to his record-breaking victory. Turcotte’s ability to maintain Secretariat’s cruising speed even after engaging in a speed duel was pivotal to their success (Quora).
Factors in Historic Wins
Several factors can influence the outcome of a race. Understanding these elements helps to appreciate the complexities involved in producing a winning performance.
- Track Conditions: The state of the track plays a significant role. A well-maintained track can enhance performance, while poor conditions may hamper it.
- Competition: The caliber of competing horses can either elevate a horse’s performance or present significant challenges.
- Training Regimen: Consistent and tailored training is essential for peak performance.
- Jockey’s Strategy: As previously noted, the jockey’s strategic decisions can make or break a race.
- Physical and Mental Health: The overall health and well-being of the horse are fundamental to its ability to perform at optimal levels.
Secretariat’s Belmont Stakes victory is a prime example of how these factors come into play. Factors such as the horse’s exceptional physical traits, expert jockey handling, and favorable track conditions all contributed to his historic win (Associated Press).
For more insights on what makes a horse legendary and how races are structured, explore our articles on how horse racing works and what horses eat.
Breeders’ Cup Classic Connection
American Pharoah’s Grand Slam
In 2015, American Pharoah achieved an unprecedented feat in the world of horse racing: he became the only horse to win both the Triple Crown races and the Breeders’ Cup Classic in the same year, a remarkable accomplishment known as the Grand Slam (Wikipedia). Following his historic victory in the Belmont Stakes, where he became the 12th horse in history to win the Triple Crown and the first in 37 years (Wikipedia), American Pharoah didn’t slow down. He continued his dominance by triumphing in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, cementing his place in horse racing history.
Legendary Performances
Over the years, the Breeders’ Cup Classic has showcased some of the most legendary performances in horse racing. The race is a key part of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, drawing elite horses, jockeys, and trainers from around the globe. With its high stakes, it is no surprise that horses like American Pharoah have shone brightly on this stage.
This race has witnessed incredible feats and dramatic finishes, often highlighting the exceptional skill and stamina of the competing horses. Each year, spectators are treated to thrilling displays of speed and strategy, making it one of the most anticipated events in thoroughbred racing.
Combination of Elite Races
The Breeders’ Cup Classic marks the culmination of the racing calendar, bringing together the best of the best. It is part of a series of elite races that test the versatility and prowess of thoroughbred horses. Together with the Triple Crown races—the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes—these events form the pinnacle of horse racing achievement. For a horse to excel across these races showcases an extraordinary level of talent and conditioning.
In addition to American Pharoah’s incredible Grand Slam, other horses have also left an indelible mark. Notably, Justify won the Belmont Stakes in 2018 to become the 13th Triple Crown champion and only the second horse to do so while undefeated. These milestones not only highlight the significance of these races but also the exceptional qualities possessed by these equine athletes.
For more information on how these races test the limits of horse racing, visit our articles on how fast horse can run and how horses are measured. Additionally, delve deeper into the nuances of horse racing by exploring how horse racing works.
| Notable Winners | Year | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| American Pharoah | 2015 | Triple Crown & Breeders’ Cup Classic Win |
| Justify | 2018 | Undefeated Triple Crown Winner |
These records and connections emphasize how each race contributes to the legacy of horse racing and why figures like American Pharoah hold a special place in the sport’s history.