The Belmont Stakes cap off a spectacular 2022 Triple Crown season with everyone’s favorite hit by far running down the court.
The Belmont’s 154th appearance airs Saturday, June 11 from 3-5 p.m. ET on CNBC and 5-7 p.m. on NBC. Coverage is also available on NBCSports.com, the NBC Sports app and Peacock.
Related: Belmont Stakes 2021 post positions and first odds
Rich Strike, who skipped the Preakness Stakes after winning the Kentucky Derby 80-1, is expected to be in the field for the Belmont. However, the Preakness Champion Early voting won’t be at Elmont, with coach Brad Cox confirming that the three-year-old colt will instead train for the $1.25 million Travers Stakes at the Saratoga Race Course in upstate New York on August 27.
What is the Belmont Stakes?
The Belmont Stakes is traditionally the last leg of the American Triple Crown of horse racing. Like the Derby and the Preakness, it is a grade I thoroughbred stakes race. The Belmont Stakes is 1 1/2 miles, or 12 furlongs, making it the longest race in the Triple Crown.
The Belmont takes place on the dirt road (also known as “Big Sandy”) at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. It was first raced in 1867, making it the oldest jewel in the Triple Crown (and the fourth oldest race in North America). However, the race was not held in 1911 or 1912, which is why the Kentucky Derby is still the nation’s longest continuous sporting event. The Belmont has always raced in or around New York, having raced at Jerome Park (now closed), Morris Park (also closed) and Aqueduct in addition to Belmont, which is just east of Queens.
As well as being the last hurdle for Triple Crown contenders, the Belmont is known for Secretariat’s 31-length victory in 1973, which sealed their Triple Crown title and set the current world record at 2:24. for 1 1/2 miles on land.
When is the 2022 Belmont Stakes?
The 154th Belmont Stakes will take place on Saturday, June 11. NBC Sports will broadcast live from Belmont Park on June 11 from 3-5 p.m. ET on CNBC and 5-7 p.m. on NBC.
How can I watch the Belmont Stakes 2022?
NBC hosts the 154th Belmont Stakes, providing comprehensive live race coverage and analysis before, during and after the main event. Begin with CNBC coverage on Saturday, June 11 at 3 p.m. before moving to NBC at 5 p.m. All coverage is available on NBCSports.com, the NBC Sports app and Peacock as well.
What makes the Belmont Stakes unique?
The Belmont is the final test for horses seeking a Triple Crown title. Horses have an extra week of rest between races as opposed to the Preakness, but the Belmont is also the longest race of the three.
Belmont Park is just a few miles from New York City, and city dwellers can just hop on the Long Island Rail Road for a day at the races. The annual Belmont Festival is back and offers several days filled with races and other events.
Is there a horse capable of winning the Triple Crown?
While Rich Strike walked away with a win in the first Triple Crown race at the Kentucky Derby, his predicted absence from the Preakness ensured there would be no Triple Crown winning horse in 2022. The colt of three year-old has a chance to be the 12th horse to win the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes in the same Triple Crown season. The last Triple Crown winner was Justify in 2018.
What are the greatest traditions of the Belmont Stakes?
The Belmont Stakes is traditionally called “The Test of Champions” because it is the longest running Triple Crown. After the race, the champion horse is draped in a blanket of white carnations, traditionally symbolizing love and luck.
The post-parade song for the Belmont Stakes has changed over the years from “The Sidewalks of New York” to “Theme from New Yorkfrom 1997 to 2009, “Empire State of Mind” by Jay-Z in 2010 then return to the “Theme of New York” from 2011 to the present day.
When the post-parade song changed in 1997, the official drink changed as well. The Belmont Stakes, from the vodka-based ‘White Carnation’ to the whiskey-based ‘Belmont Breeze’. The official drink was again changed in 2011 to “Belmont Jewel”, which is bourbon-based.
Who won the 2021 Belmont Stakes?
The essential quality of Bad Cox outdone a stubborn Hot Rod Charlie in the home straight for win the Belmont Stakes. Ownership group Godolphin Stables raised him from senior father carpet, which spawned three other Belmont Stakes winners. Essential Quality won the Jim Dandy Stakes and Travers Stakes in Saratoga. After finishing third in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, he retired to stud at Darley’s Jonabell Farm and was announced the 2021 American Three-Year-Old Champion Male at the Eclipse Awards.
Watch the 154th Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 11 from 3-5 p.m. ET on CNBC and 5-7 p.m. on NBC. Coverage is also available on NBCSports.com, the NBC Sports app and Peacock.
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