The reported attendance of 46,103 fell far short of the grounds record 120,139 set in 2004. Still, fans crammed into cars on the Long Island Rail Road and breathed life into the 117-year-old track with floral headwear, pastel suits and the unmistakable musk of booze and cigars. The race marked a return to form for Belmont itself after the 2020 Stakes were closed to the public due to the pandemic and the 2021 event was limited to 11,238 spectators by virus restrictions.Ĭapacity was capped again, this time at 50,000, because of congestion concerns stemming from the newly built arena next door for the NHL's New York Islanders. It's the fourth straight year the Triple Crown contests were won by three different horses, a first for the sport since 1926-29. 'This is New York's biggest race and to win it here, with my family and friends and 70 people here, this will be a big winner's circle,' he said. Mo Donegal made a winner out of co-owner Mike Repole, a local entrepreneur known around the track as 'Mike from Queens.' Repole also co-owns Nest. He found it Saturday, winning the 154th running of the $1.5 million race. Just like Rich Strike, Mo Donegal was at the back of the pack at the Derby, but the colt didn't have enough kick at Churchill Downs. 'I think we just made a tactical error,' Reed said. Rich Strike spent much of the race in last place and couldn't recover. Reed said the team encouraged jockey Sonny Leon to try pushing Rich Strike from the outside, but the horse kept trying to get back inside - where he made a late charge past 19 horse to win at Churchill Downs. Manitoba mare strikes it rich with Kentucky Derby-winning offspring.80-1 shot Rich Strike races to stunning upset win in Kentucky Derby.Rich Striker owner Rick Dawson and trainer Eric Reed held the Kentucky Derby winner out of the Preakness with an eye on Belmont, the first healthy horse to skip Pimlico after winning the Triple Crown's first even since 1985. Skippylongstocking was third and returned $5.60 to show. Nest - who nearly became Pletcher's second filly to win Belmont after Rags to Riches - paid $5.30 and $4.10. The three-year-old colt paid $7.20 US, $3.80 and $3. We the People led for much of the race, but Mo Donegal and Ortiz took charge coming out of the final turn.

Mo Donegal entered the gate the betting favourite at five to two. We the People, a monster in the mud, opened at 2 to 1 amid a rainy forecast but reached seven to two by race time as showers held off. Mo Donegal beat an eight-horse field without a clear favourite. Pletcher, who lives on Long Island, adds another Belmont title following wins with Rags to Riches in 2007, Palace Malice in 2013 and Tapwrit in 2017. Mo Donegal rounded the 1 1/2-mile distance in 2 minutes, 28.28 seconds, three lengths ahead of Nest - ridden by Ortiz's brother, Jose. Kentucky Derby winner, Rich Strike finished sixth. won the Belmont Stakes in Elmont, New York. Duration 0:44 Mo Donegal ridden by Irad Ortiz, Jr.

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