Definition

Proper noun: - A prestigious American horse race: The Belmont Stakes is an annual Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbred horses. It is the third and final leg of the American Triple Crown, following the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes. The race is traditionally held at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York.

Usage

The term "Belmont Stakes" is used to refer specifically to this singular, historic race. - Secretariat's 31-length victory in the 1973 Belmont Stakes is considered one of the greatest performances in sports history. - Winning the Belmont Stakes requires both speed and stamina due to its long distance. - The date for the Belmont Stakes is usually in early June.

Advanced Usage

• "to win the Belmont Stakes": to be the victor of this specific race.
  • Only thirteen horses have won the Triple Crown by capturing the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness, and the Belmont Stakes.
• "Belmont Stakes contender": a horse considered a strong candidate to win the race.
  • The Derby winner is always a leading Belmont Stakes contender.

Variants and Related Words

• Triple Crown (proper noun): The series of three races for three-year-olds consisting of the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes. A horse must win all three to secure the title.
• Belmont Park (proper noun): The racetrack in Elmont, New York, where the Belmont Stakes is held.
• Stakes race (noun): A type of horse race in which the prize money is derived from entry fees (stakes) paid by the owners.

Synonyms

• The Test of the Champion (nickname): A common nickname for the Belmont Stakes, referring to its demanding distance.
• The final jewel (phrase): Used in the context of the Triple Crown, referring to the Belmont Stakes as the last and challenging race in the series.

Related Phrases

• "Going for the Triple Crown": Attempting to win all three races, with the Belmont Stakes as the decisive final attempt.
  • All eyes were on the Derby winner as he was going for the Triple Crown in the Belmont Stakes.
• "Winning the Belmont": A shortened, informal way of saying "winning the Belmont Stakes."
  • After winning the Belmont, the horse was retired to stud.

Noun

1. an annual race for three-year-old horses; held on Long Island at Elmont, New York