Belmont Stakes

Belmont Stakes go on — despite pandemic

By Tony Bellissimo

As coronavirus restrictions loosened, events such as the Belmont Stakes returned to their normal fanfare.

A crowd at 11,238 roared with excitement as Essential Quality got redemption on June 6, 2021, when he edged past intense pacesetter Hot Rod Charlie down the stretch for a thrilling 1 1/4-length victory in the 153rd running of the Belmont Stakes.

Sent off as the 6-5 betting favorite, Essential Quality triumphed for the sixth time in seven starts and provided trainer Brad Cox and jockey Luis Saez with their first career Triple Crown wins. Owned by Dubai-based Godolphin Stables, the Tapit colt completed the famed 1 1/2-mile “Test of the Champion” in 2:27.11 and paid $4.60 to win. Preakness winner Rombauer finished a distant third.

“With the Tapit on top, we really thought he would get the mile and a half when given the opportunity,” Cox said. “We always thought he had the ability."

In the winner’s circle, Godolphin President Jimmy Bell said Essential Quality, who last year won an Eclipse Award as a champion 2-year-old, has never run a bad race in his life. “He probably ran as good a race as he’s run in the Derby,” Bell added.

Contested without spectators in 2020 because of the pandemic and shortened to 1 1/8 miles as the first leg of the Triple Crown, the Belmont was again held in front of fans (limited to approximately 12-percent capacity) and at its standard distance. Rounding out the order of finish was Known Agenda, Bourbonic, Rock Your World, Overtook and France Go de Ina.