Among the American thoroughbred racing top-attended events, the Belmont Stakes is one of the top racing competitions that garners the most attendees.
Moreover, it is not only the race that draws in the crowd. There are many other aspects of the event that intrigues even the non-horse racing fans. Learn more about the Belmont Experience through the article below.
The Evident History
The first Belmont in the United States was not for the man for whom it is named or even the famous stakes race. Instead, the first Belmont was a racehorse that arrived in California in 1853 from his breeding grounds of Franklin, Ohio.
However, the Belmont Stakes is named after August Belmont, a financier who made quite a name and fortune for himself in New York politics and society.
Mr. Belmont’s imprint is intertwined within the history of the Kentucky Derby, and he was also quite involved in horse racing. Of the three Triple Crown events, the Belmont is the oldest. By six years, the Belmont predates the Preakness and the Kentucky Derby by eight.
In 1867 at Jerome Park, on a Thursday, was the first running of the Belmont Stakes. At a mile and five furlongs, the conditions included an entry fee of $200, half forfeit with $1,500 added.
The Hospitality Menu
Garden Terrace
Cinematic in scope, the Garden Terrace is Long Island's largest restaurant, boasting tiered, trackside seating and floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the entire Belmont Park oval, making for a genuinely awe-inspiring landscape.
Aside from unbeatable, arena-like views of the finish line, the temperature-controlled venue also has a gourmet buffet, a television at every table, and live piano music.
Marquee Tent
This climate-controlled tent, adjacent to the backyard paddock area where the horses are saddled immediately before the race, has its betting windows, flat-screen televisions, and restrooms.
Premium beverages and gourmet food are offered in this venue, which seats up to 400 fans. When the race starts, guests can go to the Grandstand Apron to stand and cheer or watch from the TVs in the tent.
Toast the Turn
A ticket to “Toast the Turn,” which is located at the final turn area, offers an exclusive experience to view the action trackside while tasting New York craft beer and mingling with your fellow race fans. You can enjoy a great deal on drinks and an array of food vendors in this casual area.
Diamond Room
Guests will have the exclusive opportunity to enjoy this climate-controlled, luxurious in-track hospitality setting featuring sweeping views of the track, gourmet buffets, a premium open bar, and convenient betting windows.
Legendary jockey appearances, live entertainment, and big-screen televisions with full race day coverage will ensure that you'll be in the most festive and exciting venue for the races and won't miss a minute of the action.
Top of the Stretch
As the horses thunder by, you can feel the ground shake in this gated area that reaches to the rail. Nestled at the top of the stretch, this picnic spot encourages fans to bring their fare, excluding alcohol.
This location, which is a guaranteed sell-out, generally has a waiting list and slots for 60 fans total. Each table seats eight, with exclusive rail-side access to the race's deciding moment and even has room to roam.
The Top of the Stretch presents you the first sight of the horse that breaks ahead to sweep the Belmont Stakes.
Turf & Field Club
Traditional and classic, this private club on the fourth floor is perched above the track and offers an exclusive birds-eye-view.
Premium accommodations, including ease of access, a bank of private mutuel windows and several flat-screen televisions, a great atmosphere and white-linen service, makes this spot a comfortable hub for sophisticated fans.
Champagne Room
Guests in this elite area enjoy the luxurious, private trackside location with exclusive access to unparalleled views of the action from the Clubhouse Apron while sipping champagne.
A reserved table in a climate-controlled dining room on the first floor of the Clubhouse can be enjoyed by buying a ticket. The Champagne Room hosts a buffet of seasonal fare and live music.
Belmont Concessions
Belmont Park is proud to feature a variety of casual fare for the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival including The Crop & Saddle, Paddock Terrace Bar, The Knob Creek Saloon, the Heritage Club Food Court, & Concession Stands featuring a full-service bar, sandwiches, burgers, salads and more. You are also welcome to bring your food to the facility unless you are sitting in one of the Hospitality areas. However, please remember coolers must be see-through, and no glass bottles or alcoholic beverages may be brought in on Belmont Stakes Day.
The Exhilarating Wagers
Held on the first or second Saturday in June at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, the Belmont Stakes is an American Grade I stakes Thoroughbred horse race. It is open to three-year-old Thoroughbreds and is 1.5-mile-long.
Aside from the other events that are present in the Belmont Stakes, the main event is the race itself. The excitement of betting for and against the racing odds is looked forwarded to by racing fans around the globe.
Takeaway
The TVG Network Belmont Stakes History is a highly awaited horse racing competition that only occurs once every year. It is an anticipated event that garners the attention of horse racing fans worldwide.
However, there is more to enjoy in this event aside from the incredible horses and amazing wagers. There is hospitality, fashion, history, traditions, etc. that was molded into one great event.