The Belmont Stakes is an American Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbred horses. It is the third and final leg of the Triple Crown series, preceded by the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. The race is held annually at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, and is considered one of the most prestigious races in American horse racing.
The Belmont Stakes was first run in 1867 and has been held every year since then, except for 1911 and 1912 when it was not run due to a fire at Belmont Park. The race is one and one-half miles long and is run on a dirt track. The winner of the Belmont Stakes receives a gold trophy and a purse of $1.5 million.
