At the Saratoga Race Course, Dornoch defied the odds, winning the Belmont Stakes with a 17-1 shot, marking a momentous occasion in horse racing history. The 156th Belmont Stakes, typically held at Belmont Park, was moved to Saratoga and shortened to 1 1/4 miles due to ongoing renovations, making this year’s race unique. Dornoch, ridden by jockey Luis Saez, showcased a stunning performance, holding off Mindframe and Seize The Grey to claim victory and earning Saez his second Belmont win. For trainer Danny Gargan, this win represents his first in any Triple Crown race.The event was historic not only for its new venue but also for the fact that it has been six consecutive years since a single horse won all three Triple Crown races. This year’s Belmont Stakes drew a higher quality field due to the shorter race distance, which contributed to Dornoch’s victory. Co-owned by former MLB player and World Series champion Jayson Werth, Dornoch’s win is a testament to the team’s dedication and the horse’s athletic prowess. The victory is described as ‘right up there with winning on the biggest stage’ by Werth, emphasizing the significance of the win in the world of sports.Dornoch’s win adds to the storied history of the Belmont Stakes, and the race is expected to return to Belmont Park in 2026 after the completion of the massive reconstruction project.
Key points
- Dornoch won the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga, marking the first time the race was held outside Belmont Park.
- Jockey Luis Saez achieved his second Belmont Stakes win aboard Dornoch.
- The race’s temporary move and distance change contributed to a higher quality field.
