The History of Belmont Park racetrack

As the 1978 Belmont Stakes began everyone’s eyes were on the two thoroughbreds that make up one of the greatest rivalries in the history of horse racing: Affirmed and Alydar.
The race was held at Belmont Park, third and final leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown. Affirmed had won two legs with Alydar finishing second in Triple Crown Race.

No horse has been able to win a Triple Crown in nearly 32 years since Affirmed’s classic win. Since 1978, eleven horses have entered the race and failed after winning the Kentucky Derby and Preakness.

In 1905, Belmont Park, hosted the Belmont Stakes for the first time. Prior to it the race was held at Jerome Park (1867-1889) and Morris Park (1890-1904). August Belmont, Sr., financed the first race, after whom the race and park was named.

At 1.5 miles, Belmont Park features the largest dirt track in thoroughbred racing.

At that distance many 3-year-olds have never raced before. This results in races which yield surprises at a more consistent rate than the other two Triple Crown races.

In 1973, by a record 31 lengths, in 2:24.00, Secretariat finished his Triple Crown bid by winning the Belmont Stakes, still a race record.

In 1975, the race between Ruffian and Foolish Pleasure was deemed “Equine Battle of the Sexes”. In the race, Ruffian’s leg snapped and eventually was euthanized and buried in Belmont Park’s infield.

To see if Smarty Jones would be the first Triple Crown winner in 26 years, in 2004, a crowd of 120,139 packed into Belmont Park. Birdstone won by 36-1 long shot, with Smarty Jones finishing second.

In its 105-year history, Belmont Park has been the subject of reconstruction. While the Park was rebuilt, the Belmont Stakes was held at nearby Aqueduct Racetrack from 1963-1967.

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April 24 – Churchill Downs – Cliff’s Edge Derby Trial Grade III (preview)

To try and produce a starter there are only a few Kentucky Derby betting prep races left. On Saturday, April 24, at the Churchill Downs, One of the main ones is the $200,000 Grade III, Cliff’s Edge Derby Trial. This derby trial was recently named after the famous horse The Cliff’s Edge after his breeder and owner Robert LaPenta decided to sponsor the event. In an effort to try and qualify for the Kentucky Derby it will be much more enticing for trainers to enter their horses with the added purse money in the 86th year of this race.
The Cliff’s Edge Derby Trial has effectively doubled the purse this year and was just restored to its Grade III status last year. It features three year old colts and is a one mile, one turn race track. While it has usually been known as prep for the Kentucky Derby it is slowly becoming more of a preparatory race for the Preakness Stakes which are usually held three weeks later.
One of the most notable horses to talk about racing in it is Eightyfiveinafifty although There will likely be a few different horses entered into this race.
A 106 in the January Aqueduct and the 7 furlong Bay Shore races, Eightyfiveinafifty has made some huge strides this year with speed figures of 109 BRIS. He has shown some strange antics including looking to the sides and sometimes running off the track, even he has shown incredible speed. New York’s leading trainer, Contessa, has asked how dangerous Eightyfiveinafifty can be if he just learns to run straight.
To enter the Kentucky Derby as a last ditch effort to make some money, do Look for some unexpected horses to join the race.