Belmont Park, arguably the most important racetrack in the history of
The track first opened for business on May 4, 1905, with members of the
The New York Racing Association bought out the Westchester Racing
For its centennial opening, Belmont Park will feature the $100,000
Perhaps the most significant change for 2005 will be the introduction of Race
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There are 40 stakes races scheduled, including nine Grade 1 events. As usual,
the highlight will be the 137th running of the Belmont S. (G1) on June 11. The 1
1/2-mile, $1 million test is the oldest and longest leg of the Triple Crown for
three-year-olds. Last year, a record crowd of 120,139 watched Birdstone foil
Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness S. (G1) winner Smarty Jones’ attempt to become
racing’s 12th Triple Crown hero in the “Test of Champions.”
The Belmont card also includes the $400,000 Manhattan H. (G1), the $300,000
Just a Game Breeders’ Cup H. (G2), the $200,000 Brooklyn H. (G2), the $200,000
Riva Ridge Breeders’ Cup S. (G2) and the $200,000 True North Breeders’ Cup H.
(G2).
On Memorial Day, May 30, GHOSTZAPPER (Awesome Again), the reigning Horse of
the Year, is expected to make his seasonal debut in the $750,000 Metropolitan H.
(G1).
Other important events include the $500,000 Suburban H. (G1) on July 2 and
the $500,000 Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) on July 23.
The 60-day spring-summer meet continues through July 24.