Everything You Need to Know About the Belmont Stakes

(Photo by Roger Blake)

This Saturday is the 147th Belmont Stakes and with the possibility of a Triple Crown winner in American Pharoah for the first time in 37 years, the excitement is already building. And like with any great sporting event, there will be parties. But what should you wear to the Belmont Stakes or to a Belmont Stakes party? And if you’re heading to either, you’ll want to have basic conversation starters ready to talk about the race, like who is the favorite in the Belmont Stakes and just what is a Triple Crown winner? But don’t worry, you can sit back and relax because Solemates has got you covered.

What is the Belmont Stakes?

The Belmont Stakes is a 1 ½ mile race ran by three-year old horses five weeks after the Preakness. This year the 147th Belmont Stakes will be on Saturday, June 6 and will most likely start at 6:30PM. The race is held at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York.

What is a Triple Crown Winner?

There are three major races in horse racing: the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness, and the Belmont Stakes. In order for a horse to be a Triple Crown winner, it has to win all three races.

Why is it so hard to be Triple Crown winner?

One of the reasons that it’s been 37 years since the last Triple Crown winner is that the Belmont Stakes is a taxing race for horses at 1 ½ miles. Another reason is that many trainers opt out of the second race, the Preakness, so that their horses will be rested for Belmont.

Who is American Pharoah?

American Pharoah is a three-year old horse trained by Bob Baffert. He won the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes, and with American Pharoah running in the Belmont Stakes, he will have run four times in eight weeks. In order to be the Triple Crown winner, he will have to beat seven horses that did not run in the Preakness.

What do I wear to the Belmont Stakes or Party?

Who doesn’t like to have an event where you get to emulate Julia Roberts from Pretty Woman? Pair those nude pumps with a bright coral dress to announce that summer has arrived. It’s important to note that Belmont has dress requirements depending where you go while at the Park. So it’s best to head to Belmont Park in a dress, skirt, or slacks so you can roam freely. If you’re planning to attend a garden party for the Belmont Stakes, avoid ruining your heels in the grass with Solemates High Heelers. You want the focus of conversation on your wealth of information about the Belmont Stakes, not that you got stuck in the grass!