Dornoch, an unexpected winner of the first Belmont Stakes held at Saratoga, shocked everyone with his victory over Mindframe while staying close to the rail. The horse had 17-1 odds and was co-owned by World Series champion Jayson Werth. Despite finishing 10th in the Kentucky Derby just five weeks earlier, Dornoch managed to pass the leader down the stretch and secure a stunning win.
Trainer Danny Gargan celebrated his first Triple Crown victory, while jockey Luis Saez secured his second Belmont victory. Gargan praised Dornoch’s abilities, stating that he is one of the top 3-year-olds in the country. Sierra Leone, the Derby runner-up and fan favorite, finished third, while Honor Marie came in fourth.
Saez had confidence in Dornoch’s abilities after riding him for the first time in Saratoga. Although he faced a challenging draw in the Derby, Saez believed that Dornoch had what it took to win the race. The Belmont Stakes marked a historic event at Saratoga’s 161-year history as it was held there for the first time. The race will return to Saratoga next year while Belmont Park undergoes renovations.
The shortened distance of 1 1/4 miles made the Belmont Stakes more accessible to high-quality horses who previously raced in the Derby or Preakness. Changes were made to accommodate this new venue and facilitate a competitive field of horses. This race marked an end to a streak where each Triple Crown event was won by a different horse over the past six years, showcasing the depth of talent in racing world.
In conclusion, Dornoch’s victory at Saratoga’s first Belmont Stakes was unexpected but well deserved. Trainer Danny Gargan and jockey Luis Saez were thrilled with their success and praised Dornoch’s abilities as one of the top 3-year-olds in country. The shortened distance made for a competitive field and ended a six year streak where each Triple Crown event was won by a different horse, showcasing how talented racing world truly is
