Belmont Stakes 2025: Everything you need to know about the famous US race

Grab your fancy hats and prep your mintless drinks – the Belmont Stakes is back, galloping into Saratoga Springs for another year of high-stakes horse drama, thundering hooves, and surprisingly complex cocktails.

Traditionally held at Belmont Park (which is currently getting a facelift – maybe a little Botox too), the 2025 edition of the race affectionately dubbed ‘The Test of the Champion’ has once again packed its saddlebags and relocated upstate to Saratoga Racecourse.

That means a shorter track, but don’t worry – there’s still $2 million in prize money to fight over, which should keep the jockeys awake.

Here, Sports News Blitz provides you with a cheat sheet for America’s final Triple Crown race of the season – no binoculars required.

🗓️ When is the Belmont Stakes?

The race is the crown jewel of the five-day Belmont Stakes Festival, galloping into action from Wednesday, June 5 through to Saturday, June 7.

That final day is when the big one drops – 14 races in total, with the headline act scheduled for 6:45 PM ET (or 11:45 PM UK time, for those enjoying the spectacle in pyjamas).

This year, the festival features 58 races (yes, you read that right) and 27 stakes races, with over $11 million in prize money.

Basically, it’s horse racing's version of Glastonbury – just with more hay and fewer guitars.

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🎵 Traditions: From Sinatra to sips

Belmont Stakes traditions are a bit like your uncle’s karaoke playlist – beloved, unpredictable, and occasionally updated for the times.

The post-parade anthem has shifted over the years from “The Sidewalks of New York” to Frank Sinatra’s crooning, and in 2010, even Jay-Z’s “Empire State of Mind” made a one-hit-wonder appearance (the horses were confused but vibed with the beat).

The official drink? It’s called the Belmont Jewel – a ruby-red concoction that replaced the older ‘Belmont Breeze’, which tasted vaguely like regret and old bourbon.

Now it's a much classier mix of bourbon, lemonade, and pomegranate juice. Hydrate responsibly.

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👔 Trainers to watch (a.k.a. horse whisperers with great tailors)

Todd Pletcher: The four-time Belmont champ is back with his eyes on number five. He’s already hauled in over $6 million this year, so he’s basically racing for sport at this point.

Brad Cox: The current top dog (or horse, technically), sitting on a cool $11.8 million in earnings and a 25% win rate. He took the crown in 2021 and wants another trophy for his cabinet – or his barn.

Bill Mott: Won back in 2010. Still classy. Still a threat.

William McCarthy: Still looking for his first Belmont win. We believe in you, William – third time’s the charm (unless it’s the seventh, then... good luck).

Bob Baffert: The man behind the last Triple Crown winner (Justify, 2018) returns, looking for his fourth Belmont win. His colt Rodriguez missed the first two races with an injury but is now back and snorting at the gates.

“Lovely work from Rodriguez… he’s ready for a trip to Saratoga,” said co-owner Tom Ryan. Translation: He’s rested, caffeinated, and ready to sprint.

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🏇 Jockeys to watch (a.k.a. pint-sized daredevils in silks)

Luis Saez: Won last year, aiming for a third Belmont. He’s the Triple Crown’s cool uncle – reliable at family gatherings but not into commitment.

Irad Ortiz Jr.: With two Belmont wins and five Eclipse Awards, he’s basically racing royalty at this point.

Flavien Prat: Moved from France in 2015 and has been charming winners (and audiences) ever since. Think of him as the James Bond of jockeys.

Junior Alvarado & Umberto Rispoli: Won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, respectively, but neither has conquered the Belmont. This could be their year – or just another excuse to wear cool goggles.

📺 How to watch the Belmont Stakes 2025

In the U.S.: Catch all the action on NBC, starting from 4 PM ET. Expect expert analysis, big hats, and interviews where no one actually answers the question.

In the UK: Sky Sports Racing (Channel 415) will be your go-to, ideally paired with a late-night snack and a Google tab open to decode horse names like Fluffy Thunderclap IV.

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