The journey towards becoming a Triple Crown winner in thoroughbred horse racing consists of three races for three-year-old horses, culminating in the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes. The Triple Crown trophy is awarded to horses that win all three races, and the term was coined in 1930, though winners before that were retroactively recognized. Sir Barton was the first winner of all three races in 1919. The Preakness Stakes is held annually on the third Saturday of May at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, two weeks after the Kentucky Derby, while the Belmont Stakes follows three weeks later in early June. The Preakness is the second Triple Crown race and the shortest at 1 3/16 miles, commemorating its 100th year in 2024.
The Belmont Stakes is the final challenge for a horse to win the Triple Crown and the oldest and longest of the three races. Held at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, the challenging track is known for its significant turns and lengthy homestretch. Secretariat, widely regarded as the greatest racehorse ever, holds the record for the fastest finish at the Belmont. The race occurs every June and attracts millions of viewers worldwide, with famous American thoroughbred horses and fans in attendance. Racehorses at the Belmont must conserve stamina while competing against top breeds, making it a prestigious and challenging event in the racing world.
While the Preakness and Belmont Stakes are both Triple Crown races, they differ in various aspects. The Preakness is held two weeks after the Kentucky Derby and is the second race in the series, while the Belmont takes place three weeks after the Preakness and is the final event. The Belmont, established in 1867, is the oldest race in the series, followed by the Preakness in 1873 and the Kentucky Derby in 1875. Additionally, the distances of the two races differ, with the Belmont being longer. The settings for the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes are also different, taking place at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore and Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, respectively.
The Belmont Stakes, known as the “test of the champions,” is considered the most difficult of the Triple Crown races due to its demanding 1 1/2 mile length. Secretariat holds the fastest times for all three Triple Crown races, with no other horse surpassing his record-breaking achievements. The thoroughbred finished the Kentucky Derby in 1:59 2/5, the Preakness in 1:53, and the Belmont with a remarkable 31-length victory. Each Triple Crown race presents unique challenges, with the Belmont Stakes often regarded as the most grueling for horses and jockeys due to its length and position as the final event in the series. Overall, the Preakness and Belmont Stakes offer distinct traditions, challenges, and excitement for fans and bettors in the world of thoroughbred horse racing.
