Belmont Stakes Sets Stage for 157th Running This June

Saratoga Springs, NY – The Belmont Stakes, known as the “Test of the Champion,” is set for its 157th running on June 7, 2025, at Saratoga Race Course. This iconic race, the final leg of the U.S. Triple Crown, has a rich history spanning back to its first contest in 1867.

Due to renovations at Belmont Park, the 2025 Belmont Stakes will take place at Saratoga for the second consecutive year, with the distance adjusted to 1 1/4 miles. This marks the eighth occasion the race has been run at this distance, highlighting a notable shift from its traditional 1 1/2-mile length.

The Belmont Stakes has an extensive list of interesting statistics, reflecting its long-standing legacy. For example, only once has the race taken place before both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, which occurred in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tiz the Law won that race, which was rescheduled and shortened to 1 1/8 miles.

Some of the most striking numbers include Secretariat‘s record winning time of 2:24 at the traditional 1 1/2-mile distance, achieved in 1973. Additionally, the Belmont has been decided by the narrowest of margins four times since 1905, with the latest close finish in 2016.

The race has also seen a remarkable history of successes among trainers and owners. Hall of Fame trainer Woody Stephens holds the record for the most consecutive wins, having achieved five victories between 1982 and 1986. Meanwhile, James R. Keene and Belair Stud share the record for the most Belmont winners as owners, each with six victories.

International competition in the Belmont includes nine horses bred outside the United States, the latest being Canadian-bred Victory Gallop who won in 1998. The field for 2025 is expected to include previous race winners, with a purse of $2 million and $1.2 million for the champion.

With over 120,000 spectators at its peak in 2004, the Belmont Stakes continues to be a premier event on the horse racing calendar.