Belmont Stakes

Belmont Stakes go on — despite pandemic

By Visvajit Sriramrajan

The Belmont Stakes looked a little different to fans and the larger horseracing community this year, as industry officials had to alter their operations because of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Fans were not allowed to attend the Stakes on June 20 — when bay horse Tiz The Law, jockeyed by Manuel Franco, crossed the finish line to become the first New York-bred horse to win the race since 1882 — and the race was shortened from 1.5 to 1.125 miles.

The pandemic even affected the coverage of the event. Adam Coglianese, the lead track photographer for the New York Racing Association, noted, “The experience leading up to the race was a little quieter than normal, but we still photographed the horses in the morning and set up our cameras around the track like we usually would to produce images for the trainers.” He added that the lack of a physical audience meant that he and his staff had to focus more of their photography on the horses and the track.

“We all maintained social distancing,” he said, “but otherwise there were no significant challenges.”

The race was broadcast on NBC. With 3.4 million people watching, it marked the lowest recorded viewership for any broadcasted Belmont Stakes and for any opening leg of the Triple Crown.

“The Belmont Stakes provided sports fans across the country with world-class entertainment during these challenging times,” said Patrick McKenna, the communications director for NYRA, calling the race unique but successful this year, and congratulating Tiz The Law for his win.