>> Home >> Horse Betting >> Belmont Stakes >> History

The Belmont Stakes is a horse race for three-year old thoroughbreds. It is held every year at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. Called ‘The Run for the Carnations,' the first Belmont Stakes was in 1867. The purse is $1 Million.

The Belmont Stakes is famous for being the third leg of the Triple Crown, after the Kentucky Derby and Preakness. Since Affirmed captured the Triple Crown in 1978, 11 horses have had a chance to accomplish the feat at the Belmont Stakes, and all have failed.

The fastest Belmont Stakes time is Secretariat in 1973 at 2:24. That was a record win of 31 lengths. Secretariat is also the holder of the fastest Kentucky Derby time (1:59.40).

The most Belmont Stakes wins by a jockey is a tie between Jim McLaughlin and Eddie Arcaro. They each have six wins. Jockey Edgar Prado has also made a huge name for himself in recent years at the Belmont Stakes. In 2004, he rode Sarava to a record-setting (in terms of payout) upset over War Emblem. He pulled off the same trick two years later in 2004, riding Birdstone to a stunning upset over Smarty Jones.

The most wins by a trainer is James G. Rowe Sr. (8).