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Exploring the Belmont’s Blanket of Carnations

Palace Malice wears the carnations after his win in the 2013 Belmont Stakes. (Photos by Eclipse Sportswire)

The third and final jewel of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes, has been referred to for years as the “Test of the Champion” due to the race’s testing 1 ½-mile distance on a unique surface known as “Big Sandy”. This true test of stamina and class for 3-year-olds has through the years helped identify some of racing’s all-time greats.

Dreaming of a Hero

Exercise rider Willie Delgado and California Chrome survey the surroundings. (All photos courtesy of Julie June Stewart)

Sherman Diary: Good to be Back

Art Sherman speaks to the press following the Belmont Stakes post position draw (Photo by NYRA/Coglianese Photos)

Art Sherman was 18 years old when he accompanied Swaps in a boxcar from California to Louisville to win the 1955 Kentucky Derby. He returned to Churchill Downs at age 77 as the trainer of California Chrome and has taken followers of America’s Best Racing every step of the way on a journey that has his sensational California-bred on the cusp of the first Triple Crown in 36 years and racing immortality.

Belmont Song: More Than Just Setting the Tone

Jazmin Villegas, above, performed "Empire State of Mind" before the 2010 Belmont Stakes. (Photo by Eclipse Sportswire)

Belmont Park is the birthplace of the post parade. The first time the horses were ever paraded in front of the grandstand prior to the race was in 1871. The tradition lives on in horse racing across the country before each and every race - including the Belmont Stakes on June 7 when California Chrome will try to become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978.

The Official Drink of the Belmont Stakes

The final leg of the Triple Crown is upon us and while the race has a storied 146-year history, the official drink has not held the test of time quite like the third jewel.

Although the Belmont has been around the longest of the three races, it has undergone the most change when it comes to traditions – a continuously progressing marvel and spectacular day.

This year’s card is the second-richest day in all of North American racing. Ten of the 13 races are stakes races, with the $1.5-million Belmont Stakes headlining the six Grade 1 events.

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