The culmination of the spring season for thoroughbred horse racing comes with the Triple Crown, consisting of three races: the Kentucky Derby in early May, the Preakness Stakes towards the end of the month, and finally the Belmont Stakes in early June. The Triple Crown trophy is awarded to horses that win all three races and is represented by an intricate three-sided vase. Retroactively awarded winners include Sir Barton in 1919, the first winner of all three races. The final challenge to become a Triple Crown winner is the Belmont Stakes, the oldest and longest of the three contests, held at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York.
The Preakness Stakes, held at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore on the third Saturday of May, is the second race in the Triple Crown series. It is generally the shortest of the three races, at 1 3/16 miles. The Belmont Stakes follows the Preakness three weeks later and presents a longer distance and greater difficulty for competitors. Established in 1873, the Preakness Stakes owes its name to the victorious thoroughbred Preakness, named by Maryland Gov. Oden Bowie. The Belmont has a lengthy homestretch and significant turns, testing the limits of the best horses.
The Belmont attracts millions of viewers globally and has seen iconic horses like Secretariat, known as Big Red and considered the greatest racehorse ever. Secretariat holds the record for the fastest finish at the Belmont. The race takes place five weeks after the Kentucky Derby and three weeks following the Preakness Stakes, testing the stamina and endurance of racers. The Belmont is named after August Belmont, a prominent financier, diplomat, politician, and sportsman.
Differences between the Preakness and Belmont include the timing of the races in May and June, the distances – with the Belmont being longer, and the age of the races, with the Belmont as the oldest. The Preakness and Belmont occur in different locations, with Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore hosting the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, for the Belmont Stakes. Traditions, such as songs sung at each race, also differ between the two events.
The Belmont Stakes, at 1 1/2 miles, is considered the most challenging of the Triple Crown races due to its demanding distance, earning it the nickname “test of the champions.” Secretariat remains the record-holder for all three Triple Crown race times, with no other horse beating his record-breaking performances. Each Triple Crown race presents unique challenges, with the Belmont frequently regarded as the most grueling due to its length and the endurance required by participants.
