The Belmont Stakes is the final leg of the Triple Crown. Its traditional 1 1/2-mile distance has made stamina central to the race's identity.
The final Triple Crown leg
The Belmont arrives after the Derby and Preakness and can decide whether a Triple Crown bid succeeds. Even when no sweep is possible, it remains one of the defining races for the three-year-old division.
Check the current conditions
The race is traditionally associated with Belmont Park and a 1 1/2-mile trip, but temporary venue arrangements can alter the exact setup. During Belmont Park's reconstruction the race has run at Saratoga at 1 1/4 miles, including the 2026 edition, with Belmont Park scheduled to reopen in fall 2026. Confirm the current year's official conditions rather than relying only on historical shorthand.
Stamina is not a single statistic
Pedigree, running style, pace, preparation, and surface can all shape how a horse handles a longer trip. Treat each as evidence, not certainty.
Primary sources
Verify the race conditions
Race dates, venues, conditions, and entries can change. Confirm the current edition with the official sources below.