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Swale: Claiborne's Beloved 1984 Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes Winner

In some ways, Swale can be considered the Riva Ridge of the 1980s.

Both were champions.

Each was obscured by a famous stablemate for part of his career.

They also registered the first Kentucky Derby win for one of the sport’s most famous farms.

Both suffered a loss in the Preakness that kept them from sweeping the Triple Crown.

Jockeys Irad Ortiz Jr., Junior Alvarado, and Jose Ortiz (left to right) have scheduled mounts in the 2026 Belmont Stakes June 6 at Saratoga. Each rider has won the race before.

Meet the 2026 Belmont Stakes Jockeys

The group of jockeys assembled to ride in this year’s Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets includes many of the leading riders in the Empire State, including five who competed in last year’s race.

Native Dancer: The Nearly Perfect Grey Ghost of Sagamore

He was the practically perfect Thoroughbred.

Twenty-two starts. Twenty-one victories.

Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Thoroughbred racing, Belmont Stakes

Seven Influential People Who Helped Make Saratoga So Special

The name Saratoga is synonymous with the best that racing can be. Each year, the Saratoga Race Course summer meet lures fans from across the country to experience the sport in an area that harkens back to a different time. Saratoga Springs, N.Y., is a timeless place that is both classic and modern, a place where history is celebrated and memories are made.

A Classy Champion: 1989 Belmont Stakes Winner Easy Goer

If you look through racing history closely enough, you’ll find horses that had the misfortune of racing at the wrong time.

It’s the hand that fate dealt talented horses like Sham and Alydar, who became supporting characters to Triple Crown champions Secretariat and Affirmed.

Then there’s Easy Goer.

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