Introduction to the Belmont Stakes and Its Winner
The Belmont Stakes is the final leg of thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown, run at Saratoga Race Course (often called Belmont Park) in Elmont, New York. It is notable for its distance—1.5 miles or 12 furlongs—making it the longest of the Triple Crown races. In this article, we answer which horse won the Belmont Stakes for each recent year, explain how to find verified results, and provide context on the race’s history, records, and key terms.
What Is the Belmont Stakes and Why It Matters
First run in 1867, the Belmont Stakes is the oldest of the Triple Crown races and one of the oldest major sporting events in the United States. Known as “The Test of the Champion,” it challenges horses with stamina and strategy over 1.5 miles on dirt. The winner is determined by official result, verified through the racecourse’s authority and recorded in pari-mutuel and betting results. Understanding the basics helps contextualize each year’s winner and the significance of their performance.
Recent Belmont Stakes Winners by Year
Below are the winners of the Belmont Stakes for the most recent completed editions. This list reflects official, verified results and is useful for quickly identifying which horse won a given year.
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Winning Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Dureed | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Claude McGaughey III | 2:28.33 |
| 2023 | Arcangelo | Javier Castellano | Jena Antonucci | 2:30.23 |
| 2022 | Mo Donegal | Jose Ortiz | Todd Pletcher | 2:30.45 |
| 2021 | Essential Quality | Luis Saez | Brad Cox | 2:28.92 |
| 2020 | Tiz the Law | Junior Alvarado | Barclay Tagg | 2:30.86 |
| 2019 | Sir Winston | Joel Rosario | Mark E. Casse | 2:30.10 |
| 2018 | Justify | Mike Smith | Bob Baffert | 2:28.18 |
| 2017 | Tapwrit | Jose Ortiz | Todd Pletcher | 2:30.24 |
| 2016 | Creator | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Steven M. Asmussen | 2:31.67 |
| 2015 | Affiliate | Joel Rosario | Todd Pletcher | 2:29.36 |
How to Verify Which Horse Won the Belmont Stakes
To confirm the winner of any Belmont Stakes, consult primary, authoritative sources. These provide official, tamper-resistant records of results, times, and payouts.
- Official race chart from the track or governing body (e.g., NYRA or Saratoga)
- Equibase or equivalent official timing and entries database
- Reputable news archives from established sports outlets covering the event
- Betting history and parimutuel payout records from licensed platforms
Cross-referencing at least two of these sources helps ensure accuracy and reduces the risk of outdated or incorrect information.
Key Terms and Context for Understanding Belmont Results
Several terms are useful when reviewing Belmont Stakes results and understanding a winner’s achievement.
| Term | Definition | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Triple Crown | Winning the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes in the same year | Only 13 horses have accomplished this; the Belmont is the final and longest leg |
| Margin | The distance by which the winner finished ahead of the runner-up | Affects purses and breeding value; margins are measured in lengths or noses |
| Winning Time | The official clocking for the 1.5-mile distance | Used for comparison across years and to evaluate pace scenarios |
| Post Position | The starting gate number of the horse | Historically influences early pace and crowding; modern draws are often neutralized |
| Purse Distribution | How the total purse is allocated among top finishers | Winner typically receives 60–80% of the total purse depending on track and year |
Notable Patterns and Historical Context
While each Belmont winner stands on its own, certain patterns and records help frame the race’s legacy. The longest winning margin is 53 lengths by Secretariat in 1973, widely considered one of the greatest performances in sports history. The race has also seen late finishes, photo finishes, and multiple disqualifications over its history. Understanding these milestones provides context for evaluating more recent winners and their achievements.
How to Find Historical Belmont Stakes Results
For comprehensive historical results beyond the most recent winners, multiple reliable pathways exist. Official archives, racing databases, and media records all contribute to a verifiable history. Prioritize authoritative sources to ensure data integrity, especially when comparing times, margins, or purse values across decades.
Authoritative Sources for Historical Data
- NY Racing Association and Saratoga Race Course official archives
- Equibase and the Blood-Horse records
- New York Times and other reputable outlets with extensive sports archives
When researching, note the date of the race (typically early to mid-June in the modern era) and confirm the post position, odds, and final margin alongside the winner’s name.
Common Questions About Belmont Stakes Winners
- Is the Belmont always run at Belmont Park? While commonly associated with Belmont Park, it has also been held at Saratoga Race Course during track renovations and historically at other venues.
- How are ties resolved? In the unlikely event of a dead heat for first, joint winners are recognized and purse is divided according to rules in effect at the time.
- Does the winner automatically qualify for the Breeders’ Cup? Not directly; the Belmont winner may earn an automatic berth to certain Breeders’ Cup races via the Breeders’ Cup Challenge series, depending on the year and the specific Breeders’ Cup race.
Conclusion
To determine which horse won the Belmont Stakes in any given year, consult official racing records and reputable media sources. Recent winners include Dureed (2024), Arcangelo (2023), and Mo Donegal (2022), among others. By combining verified results with contextual knowledge of the race’s history and terminology, you can reliably identify and understand each champion’s place in Thoroughbred racing history.