New York, USA – Dornoch emerged victorious in the 156th edition of the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, outperforming several challengers who were considered favorites to win. Jockey Luis Saez expressed satisfaction with Dornoch’s performance, citing a flawless run that saw the colt successfully fend off Mindframe, who secured the second spot, with Sierra Leone finishing in third place.
Trainer Danny Gargan celebrated his first triumph in a Triple Crown race with Dornoch, a 3-year-old colt and the sibling of the 2023 Kentucky Derby champion, Mage. Dornoch showcased early dominance, leaving behind one of the highly favored contenders, Preakness winner Seize the Grey, who struggled to keep up with the pace set by Dornoch.
Reflecting on the race, Saez acknowledged their strategic control of the pace, leading to Dornoch’s impressive victory. The colt, purchased as a yearling in 2022, displayed signs of maturity on race day, ultimately holding off challenges from Mindframe and the favored Sierra Leone in the final sprint.
Despite initial doubts surrounding Dornoch, co-owner Randy Hill emphasized the importance of belief in the horse, enabling Saez to focus on delivering his best performance. Retired MLB All-Star and co-owner Jayson Werth lauded the win as a significant milestone in horse racing and sports in general.
The absence of a Triple Crown champion this year added to the suspense surrounding the Belmont Stakes. Sierra Leone, the race favorite trained by Chad Brown and ridden by Flavien Prat, entered with high expectations following previous victories. However, Dornoch, with odds of 17-1, emerged victorious, proving to be a formidable contender.
Traditionally held at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, the Belmont Stakes relocated to Saratoga Race Course this year due to ongoing renovations at the former venue. The move to Saratoga Race Course, with its 1 ¼ mile distance, brought a unique dimension to the race compared to the standard 1 ½ mile distance at Belmont Park.
The unpredictability and excitement of the Belmont Stakes exemplified the essence of horse racing, showcasing Dornoch as a standout performer among a field of skilled competitors. The race’s relocation and diverse field of contenders added an element of surprise and intrigue, capturing the essence of sportsmanship and competition on display.