Dornoch, a 17-1 longshot, emerged victorious in the 156th running of the Belmont Stakes, marking the sixth consecutive year that three different horses have claimed the Triple Crown legs.
Dornoch, ridden by Luis Saez, crossed the finish line ahead of Mindframe in a thrilling photo finish at Saratoga Race Course in upstate New York. The race was moved from its traditional home at Belmont Park due to ongoing renovations.
Despite being the favorite, Sierra Leone finished third, while Preakness winner Seize the Grey led early on but faded in the final stretch. Dornoch's victory marked the first Belmont Stakes win for both Saez and trainer Michael Maker.
Former Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Jayson Werth, who owns a 10% stake in Dornoch, celebrated the victory with the team. "This is an incredible feeling," Werth said. "I've always dreamed of owning a horse that could win a Triple Crown race, and now it's come true."
The Belmont Stakes was run at 1¼ miles this year to accommodate Saratoga's shorter oval, providing a different challenge for the horses and jockeys. "It was definitely a different race than it would have been at Belmont Park," said Saez. "But Dornoch handled it well and gave me a great ride."
Two-time Super Bowl-winning head coach Bill Parcells, a New York Giants legend and Saratoga resident, was among the attendees at the race. "I'm a big racing fan, and I'm always impressed by the talent and athleticism of these horses and jockeys," said Parcells.
The Belmont Stakes will return to Saratoga next year before making its way back to Belmont Park in 2026. The race continues to be a thrilling and unpredictable event, showcasing the best of the horse racing world.
Other highlights from the race:
* Dornoch closed at 17-1 odds, providing a significant upset for bettors.
* It was the sixth consecutive year that different horses won each leg of the Triple Crown.
* Saez earned his second Belmont Stakes victory, having previously won in 2016 with Creator.
* The race was run at a different distance and location due to renovations at Belmont Park.
* Saratoga's unique atmosphere and enthusiastic crowd contributed to the excitement of the event.
