Belmont Park a famous horse racing course, known for its prestigious events
One of the most significant races, Belmont Stakes and the Triple Crown, are held at the famous racecourse in United States of America, Belmont Park.
The race course situated in Hamlet of Elmont, New York, had its first race scheduled on the 4th of May, 1905. This racecourse is the only major thoroughbred racecourse in Elmont.
Since the day the track was opened for races, it has been considered to be the most exclusive track where every championship race is competed. The track is also famous by the name of the Champion Track.
Belmont Park has a very prominent place among all other popular tracks such as Keeneland Race Course, Saratoga Race Course, Churchill Downs, Santa Anita and Del Mar.
Currently, the property of the race course is owned by the State of New York, whereas its operations are managed by the New York Racing Association (NYRA).
Almost sixteen races are scheduled in Belmont Park and among them is the famous one, Belmont Stakes.
The race was named after August Belmont Sr. who was not only the financer of the race but also known as a sportsman.
He has played a major role in helping the track financially by giving funds.
Along with August Belmont, his son played a major role in establishing the race course. Many people thought that the park was named in honour of Belmont’s son.
Originally the track was built by August Belmont, William Collins Whitney and many other investors. All races were held according to English Fashion in the first 15 years but later this changed.
After the death of Belmont’s son in 1924, the property was taken by Joseph E. Widener. He named the course, Widener Course. The course covered a distance of 7 furlongs and later on, in 1958, the course was removed.
The very first race held at the venue was between a very renowned horse, Sysonby, and Race King.
The racecourse has been organising international events between the Americans and the English champions.
Zev who was a Kentucky Derby and the Epsom Derby winner won the first international duel race.
This track is also known for a tragic accident which not only ended Ruffian a famous champion’s career but he was also euthanized after his injury.
In 1978 Belmont track made Affirmed to experience the victory in the Triple Crown, later on in the same year he was defeated by the Seattle Slew.
Apart from the Belmont Stakes there are several other events which are held here like the Woodward Stakes, the Jockey Club Gold Cup, Memorial Day Standby and the Suburban Handicap.
Races which are held at the dirt or the turf in Belmont include Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational, Bowling Green Handicap, Flower Bowl Invitational Stakes and Man O’ War Stakes. Empire Classic Handicap is the most expensive race among all which consists
of a purse of $ 250,000.
In present time, the park not only facilitates its spectators with the race but there are restaurants and clubs.
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