The Belmont Stakes, known as "The Test of the Champion" and "The Run for the Carnations," is the oldest and longest of American horse racing's Triple Crown events. The 158th running of this historic race took place on June 6, 2026, at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York, where Golden Tempo captured victory in thrilling fashion — becoming the 13th horse to win both the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes in the same season.
Golden Tempo's Triumph: How the Kentucky Derby Winner Conquered the Belmont
Golden Tempo, ridden by jockey Jose Ortiz and trained by Cherie DeVaux, entered the 2026 Belmont Stakes with 9-2 odds after skipping the Preakness Stakes. From post position 9, Golden Tempo sat 12 lengths off the lead before surging down the stretch to overtake Commandment, who finished second, and favorite Renegade, who placed third. The winning time was 2:03.49 for the 1.25-mile distance. With this victory, Cherie DeVaux became only the second woman to train a Belmont Stakes winner, following Jena Antonucci's win with Arcangelo in 2023. DeVaux, who was born in Saratoga Springs and began her training career at the track, also made history earlier this season as the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner.
Timeline: The Belmont Stakes Through the Years
The Belmont Stakes has a rich history stretching back more than 150 years. Here are the key milestones that shaped the race:
- 1867: The first Belmont Stakes is run at Jerome Park Racetrack in the Bronx, won by the filly Ruthless. The race is named after financier August Belmont Sr.
- 1905: The race moves to the newly opened Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, on Long Island.
- 1919: Sir Barton wins the Belmont and is later recognized as the first Triple Crown winner, though the term wasn't used until 1930.
- 1926: The August Belmont Trophy, designed by Tiffany and Co., is first presented to the winning owner.
- 1973: Secretariat wins the Belmont by 31 lengths in a record time of 2:24 — a world record for 1.5 miles on dirt that still stands today.
- 2004: A record crowd of 120,139 people attends the Belmont Stakes to see Smarty Jones's Triple Crown bid fall short.
- 2015: American Pharoah ends a 37-year Triple Crown drought, becoming the 12th horse to sweep all three races.
- 2024–2026: The Belmont Stakes is run at Saratoga Race Course for three consecutive years while Belmont Park undergoes major renovations.
The Test of the Champion: Understanding the Race That Defines the Triple Crown
The Belmont Stakes is traditionally run at 1.5 miles (12 furlongs) — the longest distance of any Triple Crown race and one of the longest first-class dirt races in the United States. This grueling distance, combined with Belmont Park's sweeping turns and long homestretch, tests both the speed and stamina of three-year-old Thoroughbreds. However, during its temporary stay at Saratoga Race Course (2024–2026), the race was shortened to 1.25 miles to accommodate the smaller main track. Colts and geldings carry 126 pounds while fillies carry 121 pounds, with a 5-pound allowance. The purse for the 2024–2026 races was set at $2 million, with the winner receiving $1.2 million. Secretariat's 1973 record remains the benchmark. His time of 2:24 for 1.5 miles is considered one of the greatest performances in racing history. Other notable fast times include Easy Goer (2:26 in 1989) and Risen Star (2:26.4 in 1988).
Where the 2026 Belmont Stakes Stands in History
The 2026 running was the third and final time the Belmont Stakes was held at Saratoga Race Course while Belmont Park undergoes a complete reconstruction. New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that Belmont Park is scheduled to reopen in the fall of 2026, with the race returning to its traditional home for the 2027 edition. This marks only the second time the Belmont has been held away from Belmont Park for an extended period — the first being from 1963 to 1967 when it was run at Aqueduct Racetrack during earlier renovations. The 2026 race also made history as Golden Tempo became the 13th horse to win both the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes, joining an elite group that includes Secretariat, Seattle Slew, and American Pharoah. The race was broadcast by Fox Sports, with post time moved three minutes earlier to 7:01 p.m. ET due to impending weather.
The Traditions That Make the Belmont Stakes Special
Few sporting events carry as many distinctive traditions as the Belmont Stakes. The winning horse is draped with a blanket of approximately 700 white carnations imported from Colombia, giving the race its nickname "The Run for the Carnations." White carnations traditionally symbolize love and luck, and the blanket requires about 10 man-hours to assemble. The winning owner receives the August Belmont Trophy, a silver masterpiece designed by Paulding Farnham for Tiffany and Co., which has been presented annually since 1926. The trophy is kept for one year, with a silver miniature given for permanent display. The official song of the Belmont Stakes has evolved over the years. Until 1996, "The Sidewalks of New York" was played during the post parade. From 1997 to 2009, it was replaced by Frank Sinatra's "Theme from New York, New York," which some fans jokingly blamed for the 37-year Triple Crown drought. After briefly switching to Jay-Z's "Empire State of Mind" in 2010, the Sinatra classic returned in 2011 and remains the traditional song today. The official drink, originally the "White Carnation," was replaced in 1997 by the "Belmont Breeze" — a mix of bourbon, lemonade, and pomegranate juice — and later changed again to the "Belmont Jewel" in 2011.
What's Next for the Belmont Stakes
With Belmont Park's $455 million renovation project nearing completion, the Belmont Stakes is expected to return to its historic home in Elmont, New York, for the 2027 running. When it returns, the race will likely return to its traditional 1.5-mile distance, restoring the full challenge that has earned it the nickname "The Test of the Champion." For Golden Tempo and trainer Cherie DeVaux, the 2026 victory capped a remarkable Triple Crown campaign. Although Golden Tempo skipped the Preakness Stakes — preventing a Triple Crown sweep — the colt's back-to-back wins in the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes cemented his place in racing history.
Key Takeaways: The Belmont Stakes at a Glance
- The Belmont Stakes is the oldest Triple Crown race (1867) and the longest at 1.5 miles (traditionally)
- Its nicknames include "The Test of the Champion" and "The Run for the Carnations"
- The 2026 winner was Golden Tempo, also winner of the Kentucky Derby, trained by Cherie DeVaux
- The race was held at Saratoga Race Course for the third straight year due to Belmont Park renovations
- Secretariat holds the all-time record (2:24) set in 1973
- Traditions include the carnation blanket, the August Belmont Trophy, and Sinatra's "New York, New York"
- Belmont Park is scheduled to reopen in fall 2026, with the race returning home in 2027
