The 2025 Belmont Stakes, held for the second year at Saratoga Race Course due to continued renovations at Belmont Park, delivered an unforgettable day of racing, drama, and electric crowd energy. Though traditionally known as the “Test of the Champion,” this year’s edition saw a shortened 1¼-mile distance, adding speed and unpredictability to the historic race.
A New Champion Crowned
The crowd roared as Journalism, trained by Michael McCarthy and ridden by Umberto Rispoli, surged from behind to win the Belmont Stakes in a thrilling finish. After a victorious run in the Preakness, Journalism capped off a stellar Triple Crown season with style, silencing any doubters and establishing himself as a true star of 2025.
Key Moments
- Fast Start: Early pace-setter Rodriguez, trained by Bob Baffert, jumped to a quick lead but couldn’t hold off the closers down the stretch.
- Classic Duel: The long-anticipated face-off between Sovereignty (Kentucky Derby winner) and Journalism lived up to the hype. Both horses pushed hard in the final furlong, with Journalism pulling away in the last seconds.
- Unexpected Standouts: Longshot Hill Road, trained by Chad Brown, impressed the crowd by finishing in the top three, showing promise for future races.
Strategic Wins
The shortened distance at Saratoga made speed and timing crucial. Rispoli’s well-timed ride on Journalism showcased not only the horse’s endurance but also the jockey’s tactical brilliance.
Trainers like Todd Pletcher and Chad Brown were praised for bringing competitive contenders, though they fell short of capturing the win this time.
Big Wins for Bettors
Journalism went off as one of the favorites, but exacta and trifecta payouts surprised many with mid-range and longshot horses sneaking into the top spots. Smart bettors who included Hill Road and Crudo in their exotics walked away with solid returns.
Atmosphere and Attendance
With over 50,000 fans packed into Saratoga’s historic stands, the event felt like a celebration of racing’s future while honoring its past. Light shows, celebrity sightings, and a patriotic flyover added to the fanfare, making Belmont 2025 more than just a race — it was a festival.
Final Results – Top 3 Finishers
- Journalism (Trainer: Michael McCarthy / Jockey: Umberto Rispoli)
- Sovereignty (Trainer: William Mott / Jockey: Junior Alvarado)
- Hill Road (Trainer: Chad Brown / Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.)
What’s Next?
As the Triple Crown season closes, all eyes now turn to the summer meets and the Breeders’ Cup. Journalism’s performance puts him at the center of Horse of the Year discussions, and racing fans will be watching closely to see where he goes next.
The Belmont Stakes 2025 proved that even in a new location with a changed format, the magic of the race remains very much alive.
