What is the Belmont Derby?
The Belmont Invitational Derby is a premier turf race for three-year-old horses.It is part of the larger Belmont Racing Festival, offering significant prestige and prize money. The event draws top competitors and is a highlight of the racing season, both for its competitive field and its place within a weekend of top-tier horse racing events.
Where is the Belmont Derby held?
This prestigious race is typically held at Belmont Park, located in Elmont, New York. The 75th running will be on Saturday, July 06, 2024. The Belmont Park is one of the most famous racetracks in the United States and is well-known for hosting the Belmont Stakes, the final leg of the Triple Crown.
Belmont Derby Winners
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Trikari | John R. Velazquez | H. Graham Motion | Amerman Racing LLC | 1:54.71 |
| 2023 | Far Bridge | Jose L. Ortiz | Todd Pletcher | LSU Stables | 2:01.75 |
| 2022 | Classic Causeway | Julien R. Leparoux | Kenneth G. McPeek | Kentucky West Racing LLC and Cooper, Clarke M. | 1:59.99 |
| 2021 | Bolshoi Ballet | Ryan Moore | Aidan O'Brien | Magnier, Mrs. John, Tabor, Michael B., Smith, Derrick and Westerberg | 2:04.42 |
| 2020 | Gufo | Junior Alvarado | Christophe Clement | Otter Bend Stables, LLC | 2:02.25 |
Belmont Derby History
Formerly known as the Jamaica Handicap. This exhilarating race has undergone remarkable transformations since its inception. Originally named after the vibrant Jamaica District in Queens, New York, the first Jamaica Handicap took place in 1929 at the renowned Jamaica Race Course. Over the years, the race's location shifted, with contests held at the Aqueduct Race Track in Queens during specific years, including 1960, 1975-1977, 1979-1981, and 1987.
The race's distance has also witnessed changes throughout its illustrious history. Initially raced over a distance of six furlongs from 1929 to 1953 and 1957 to 1960, it then extended to 1+1/8 miles (9 furlongs) in 1954 and maintained that distance from 1997 through 2014. In 2014, the race underwent significant alterations, becoming a prominent highlight of the now defunct Stars and Stripes Racing Festival held at Belmont Park. It was renamed from the Jamaica Handicap to its current title and relocated from October to July. Additionally, the race distance expanded to 1+1/4 miles, and the purse experienced a substantial increase from $500,000 to an impressive $1,250,000.
