If the first two legs of the Triple Crown bring the excitement of the beginning of a Triple Crown season, then it is the final leg, the Belmont Stakes, that brings the drama. If a horse should be good enough to survive the Kentucky Derby and The Preakness, the Belmont will certainly test the horse’s endurance.
Held at Belmont Park in New York, the Belmont Stakes moved to this historic track back in 1905. That is right around the time when horse racing was drawing the interest of the entire United States.
At first, it was English tradition that was followed at the track. The horses ran clockwise around the track. That was changed to the American way of running horses counter-clockwise back in 1921.
The beginning of the race these days is marked by the signing of New York, New York. Fans at the track are encouraged to sing along. Once the race starts, it is time for the horses to shine. Some of the Triple Crown threats have not been able to complete the feat due to the length of the Belmont Stakes. It is the longest of the three major horse races.
The winner of the race receives a blanket of carnations. This is in contrast to the Derby, where the winner receives a red rose blanket. A silver bowl is also awarded to the winner, and if a horse is lucky enough, also the Triple Crown.
The last horse to win the Triple Crown was Affirmed. Since then, several horses have had trouble with the long Belmont track, and have fallen short of the prestigious Triple Crown. The Belmont Stakes is referred to often as the “Test of Champions” because of its grueling conditions.
