RAGS TO RICHES
THE
BELMONT STAKES
"TEST OF A
CHAMPION"
JUNE 7, 2008
RAGS TO RICHES
Date
of Inception:
The first
running of the Belmont Stakes in 1867 took place at Jerome Park. The Belmont is
the oldest of the Triple Crown events, predating the Preakness by six years and
the Kentucky Derby by eight.
White
Carnation:
The blanket
of carnations worn by the Belmont Stakes winner takes 10 man hours to put
together, as between 300-400 carnations are glued onto a green velveteen spread.
The flowers are shipped in from either CA or Bogota, Colombia.
TEST
OF THE CHAMPION:
The Belmont
is the last test to claim a jewel in the triple crown.
Belmont:
August
Belmont, a famous financier, was the original founder of organized races in the
New York area. The property at Belmont Park was owned by August Belmont
originally.
Belmont
Park:
Belmont Park
is the largest track in the United States. It has three racing ovals - one grand
1 ½ mile main track and two generous turf courses. Belmont Park opened in 1905.
A symbol of the track is the tree located in the center of the paddock. The
Belmont logo represents that tree.
The
Belmont Stakes Trophy:
The trophy is
a Tiffany-made silver bowl with a cover. It stands 18 inches high, 15 inches
across, and 14 inches at the base. Atop the cover is a silver figure of Fenian,
winner of the third running of the Belmont Stakes in 1869. The bowl is supported
by three horses representing the three-foundation thoroughbreds: Eclipse, Herod,
and Matchem.
THE "BELMONT BREEZE"
The Belmont Breeze is the official "Toast of the Champion"for the Belmont Stakes.
Created by Dale DeGroff, head bartender at Manhattan's Rainbow Room/Windows
on the World, the cocktail is based on an old, Colonial recipe for whiskey
punch.
1
1/2 ounces Seagram's 7 (or good, blended American whiskey)
3/4 ounces Harveys Bristol Cream Sherry
1/2 ounces fresh lemon juice
1 ounce Simple Syrup (or substitute 1ounce sweet and sour mix for the
lemon juice and simple syrup).
1 1/2 ounces fresh orange juice
1 1/2 ounces cranberry juice
7-Up
Club Soda Shake first six ingredients with ice, then top with half 7-Up
and half club soda. Garnish with fresh strawberry, mint sprig and lemon wedge.
| LIGHTNING SELECTIONS | RESULTS | THE RECORD | |
| BATTLE OF DEL MAR | BATTLE OF SARATOGA | BATTLE OF MONMOUTH | BATTLE OF GULFSTREAM |
| THE KENTUCKY DERBY | THE PREAKNESS STAKES | THE BELMONT STAKES | THE BREEDERS' CUP |