Belmont Stakes Facts
June 6, 2008
Post Parade
Horses went directly from the paddock to post until the “post parade” was introduced to American Racing in the 1880 Belmont Stakes.
First Run Counter-Clockwise in 1921
Grey Lag’s 1921 Belmont Stakes was the first running of this classic race to be run in the counter-clockwise custom of American racing. Previous Belmont’s were ran clockwise in accordance with the English custom.
Belmont Stakes Permanent Trophy
The Belmont Stakes trophy is a Tiffany-made silver bowl. It’s supported by three horses representing the three foundation thoroughbreds - Eclipse, Herod and Matchem. The owner of the Belmont Stakes winner receives a trophy designed to resemble the permanent trophy. A smaller version is presented to the trainer and jockey, while momentos are provided to the exercise rider and groom.
White Carnations - The Official Belmont Stakes Flower
The white carnation is the traditional flower of the Belmont Stakes. The blanket requires about 350 carnations glued to green velveteen spread and weighs about 30 to 40 pounds. The flowers are shipped from California to Bogota, Columbia.
Woody Stephens Factor
Woody Stephens is the only trainer to win five straight Belmonts: Conquistador Cielo (1982), Caveat (1983), Swale Danzig Connection (1986). D. Wayne Lukas won three straight Belmont Stakes: Tabasco Cat (1994), Thunder Gulch (1995) and Editors Note. Two trainers won three straight Belmonts before the turn of the century: Colonel David McDaniel won with Harry Springbok (1873); and Frank McCabe won with Inspector B. (1886), Hanover (1887) and Sir Dixon (1888).
Belmont Stakes Leading Trainer and Jockey
Jockeys Eddie Arcaro and James McLaughlin each rode six Belmont Stakes winners, while James Rowe registered ten Belmont victories. Rowe won the Belmont a record eight times as a trainer and twice as a jockey in 1872 and 1873.
Fastest Belmont Stakes
Secretariat’s 1973 Belmont Stakes domination still stands as the world and track record for the mile and one-half distance at 2:24. The second-fastest run ever recorded was at 2:26 by Easy Goer (1989) and A.P. Indy (1992).
First Woman
Hall of Famer Julie Krone, the all-time leading female jockey, became the first woman to win a Triple Crown race when she rode ColonialAffair to victory in the 125th running of the Belmont Stakes on June 5, 1993. Krone is the only woman to ever ride in the Belmont. She had the opportunity to run in four other Belmonts in her prestigious career.
Record Attendance and Handle
The 2004 Belmont Stakes crowd recorded a record 120,139 which saw Smarty Jones fail in his bid for the Triple Crown. The race was won by longshot Birdstone. In 1971 the Belmont drew 82,694 and the 1998 Belmont attracted 80,162 for the third-highest mark.
New wagering records were also established in 2004 where on-track bets totaled ($14,461,402) and total handle from all sources of $114,887,594, including a record $63,682,895 from all sources. The 2008 Belmont Stakes should come close to these numbers considering we have a great shot to see the first Triple Crown winner in 30 years.