Secretariat captured the 1973 Belmont Stakes with a dominant performance, finishing 31 lengths ahead while setting a world record time of 2 minutes 24 seconds for the mile and a half distance.
This historic victory at Belmont Park made Secretariat the 12th Triple Crown winner and remains the most iconic moment in the race's modern history.
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Delineate | Irad Ortiz Jr. | 2:28.66 |
| 2023 | Arcangelo | Javier Castellano | 2:29.23 |
| 2022 | Mo Donegal | Irad Ortiz Jr. | 2:30.45 |
| 1973 | Secretariat | Ron Turcotte | 2:24.00 WR |
| 2002 | Sarava | Javier Castellano | 2:30.36 |
Recent Belmont Stakes Winners
The table above highlights the most recent Belmont Stakes winners, showing how the race has varied in time and competitors over the past few years.
From record-shattering runs to upset victories, each year brings new stories and fresh drama to the third leg of the Triple Crown.
Race History and Legacy
First run in 1867, the Belmont Stakes is the oldest of the Triple Crown races and has become a test of stamina, tactics, and breeding excellence.
The race is named for financier August Belmont, whose family legacy shaped early American horse racing through breeding, ownership, and philanthropy.
Notable Performances and Records
Secretariat's 1973 win stands alone, with a margin of 31 lengths and a time that still stands as the fastest for the distance on dirt.
More recently, horses such as Arcangelo and Delineate have demonstrated how the race continues to attract talented three-year-olds from across North America.
Key Takeaways
- The Belmont Stakes is the final leg of the Triple Crown and a race rich in history.
- Secretariat's 1973 performance remains the benchmark for excellence and dominance.
- Recent winners such as Delineate and Arcangelo show the ongoing competitiveness of the event.
- Understanding past performances helps handicappers and fans appreciate the significance of each running.
- The race continues to draw top three-year-olds and international contenders every June.
FAQ
Reader questions
Who won the Belmont Stakes most recently?
Delineate won the most recent Belmont Stakes in 2024, ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr.
Which horse holds the race record at Belmont Stakes?
Secretariat holds the race record with a time of 2:24.00 set in 1973.
Has any Triple Crown winner been decided at Belmont?
Yes, multiple Triple Crown winners, including Secretariat, Win, and Seattle Slew, sealed their titles with victories at Belmont.
How long is the Belmont Stakes race distance?
The Belmont Stakes is run at a distance of 1.5 miles, or 12 furlongs, on dirt at Belmont Park.