147th Belmont Stakes

147th Belmont Stakes

The Belmont Stakes is the final leg of the Thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown series, held annually at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, five weeks after the conclusion of the Kentucky Derby. The Belmont has the distinction of being the longest of the three Triple Crown races, at a distance of 1.5 miles. It also is the oldest of the three races, with a history dating back to 1867. Similar to the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, the winner of the Belmont is draped with a blanket of white carnations after the race. Secretariat holds the race’s fastest time, finishing in 2:24.00 in 1973 and winning by a record 31 lengths.