The third jewel of racing’s Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes is traditionall contested at Belmont Park at a distance of 1 ½ miles (12 furlongs) on the dirt. Belmont Park currently is undergoing a massive rennovation, so in 2026 it will be hosted for the third consecutive year by Saratoga Race Course at 1 1/4 miles. The race is commonly referred to as the “Test of the Champion” and is run three weeks after the Preakness.
The third jewel of racing’s Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes is traditionall contested at Belmont Park at a distance of 1 ½ miles (12 furlongs) on the dirt. Belmont Park currently is undergoing a massive rennovation, so in 2026 it will be hosted for the third consecutive year by Saratoga Race Course at 1 1/4 miles. The race is commonly referred to as the “Test of the Champion” and is run three weeks after the Preakness.
The Belmont has crowned 13 Triple Crown victors to date, including 2015 winner American Pharoah and 2018 winner Justify, while 21 others have fallen short at Belmont after winning the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, most recently California Chrome in 2014.
Trainer James G. Rowe, Sr. has eight wins in the race, while owners Belair Stud and James R. Keene and jockeys Jim McLaughlin and Eddie Arcaro all have six wins apiece.