Dornoch emerged victorious at the 156th running of the Belmont Stakes, with jockey Luis Saez earning his second win in the prestigious race. Preakness winner Seize the Grey initially led the race, followed closely by Dornoch, but ultimately fell behind as Mindframe made a late surge. Dornoch closed as the 17-1 underdog, crossing the finish line first. Sierra Leone, the favorite in both the Belmont Stakes and the Derby, finished third. This marks the sixth consecutive year that three different horses have won a leg of the Triple Crown, with Justify being the last horse to win multiple legs in 2018. Former Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Jayson Werth holds a 10% ownership stake in Dornoch.
The Belmont Stakes was held at Saratoga Race Course in upstate New York due to ongoing renovations at Belmont Park. This change required horses and jockeys to adapt to the new course, as Saratoga’s racing oval is shorter at 1 1/8 miles compared to the normal 1½ miles at Belmont Park. The race distance for this year was adjusted to 1¼ miles, matching the length of the Kentucky Derby. Despite these changes, Dornoch emerged as the winner in an exciting and competitive race. Two-time Super Bowl-winning head coach Bill Parcells was in attendance at the event, as he is a regular patron of the course and resides in Saratoga Springs. The Belmont Stakes will return to Saratoga next year before heading back to its traditional venue in 2026.
The outcome of the Belmont Stakes highlights the unpredictable nature of horse racing and the excitement it brings to spectators. With different horses winning each leg of the Triple Crown in recent years, the competition remains fierce and open to surprises. Jockey Luis Saez’s victory in the Belmont Stakes adds to his impressive career accomplishments, solidifying his status as a skilled and talented rider. The presence of a former professional athlete like Jayson Werth as an owner of Dornoch adds an interesting element to the race, showcasing the diverse backgrounds and interests within the horse racing industry.
Moving the Belmont Stakes to Saratoga Race Course provided a unique challenge for participants and showcased the adaptability of horses and jockeys in navigating unfamiliar terrain. Despite the change in venue, the race maintained its prestige and allure, drawing in notable figures like Bill Parcells to witness the thrilling competition. The return of the Belmont Stakes to Saratoga next year will continue to build on the event’s rich history and tradition while offering new experiences to fans and participants alike. Subscribe to Fox News Sports coverage for the latest updates and insights on the world of sports, including racing events like the Belmont Stakes.
