Sovereignty Wins 157th Belmont Stakes in Thrilling Finish

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — Sovereignty triumphed in today’s 157th running of the Belmont Stakes, finishing ahead of Journalism by three lengths. The race, held at Saratoga Race Course, marked the second consecutive year the venue hosted the event due to ongoing construction at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y.

Sovereignty had previously secured victory at the Kentucky Derby in May, establishing a strong performance in the Triple Crown series. Journalism, who won the Preakness Stakes, attempted to catch up but fell short. Baeza finished third in the competitive race.

Notably, the 32-year-old jockey Flavien Prat, a veteran of the Belmont Stakes with four previous rides, was aboard Baeza. He expressed his excitement about the event: ‘Every ride is a chance. I always want to compete at the highest level.’

John Velazquez, a celebrated jockey with two previous wins at the Belmont Stakes, was set to ride Crudo tonight for his 28th appearance. Velazquez, who won in 2007 and 2012, has a storied career in the sport.

The weather gave way to clear skies, lifting the spirits of the crowd that came despite a morning downpour. While fewer fans attended compared to previous years, the atmosphere remained vibrant.

Another notable jockey, Luis Saez, who achieved victory in 2021 and 2024, rode Uncaged in today’s race and brought considerable experience with him. ‘The excitement of this race never fades,’ Saez stated before the event.

Mike Smith, riding for the 22nd time at the Belmont Stakes, aimed for another win aboard Rodriguez. The legendary jockey has claimed victory three times previously, including in 2018 with Justify. ‘Each race has its own story,’ he remarked.

In addition to a thrilling race, the New York Racing Association faced challenges today with the cancellation of two Grade 1 turf races, leading to significant financial losses. They expect to lose at least $10 million in handle due to these cancellations.

The Belmont Stakes continues to be a highlight in horse racing, showcasing elite talent and fierce competition.