BELMONT STAKES

oldest of the three classic American horse races (with the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness) that constitute the Triple Crown of United States horse racing; it originated in 1867 and is named after the financier, diplomat, and sportsman August Belmont. The Belmont has been run at various distances and tracks in its history. Since 1905, however, it has been held at Belmont Park, near New York City; and the course has been 1.5 miles (about 2,400 m) in length since 1926. The race is held early in June.