There are lots of other things to see at Belmont besides the racing. Here are some miscellaneous and scenic photos for you to enjoy.
The Belmont jockeys pose for a class photo before the race.
Belmont winner Afleet Alex heads back to the barn after the race.
Afleet Alex had a lot of fans in the stands who were overjoyed by his victory.
Alex's Lemonade Stand in the backyard at Belmont. There were stands at 40 racestracks in the US and Canada on Belmont day and together they raised over $114,000 for pediatric cancer research. There were two stands at Belmont which raised over $29,000 total.
Afleet Alex's jockey Jeremy Rose signing autographs at the lemonade stand.
Triple Crown winning jockeys Steve Cauthen, Jean Cruguet, and Ron Turcotte (from left to right) signing autographs at the Secretariat.com booth. Money raised here goes to the Secretariat Foundation.
A view of the crowded stands earlier in the day. Many more people arrived after this in time for the Belmont Stakes, although attendance was the lowest since 1996. This was probably due to the increased admission, parking, and reserved ticket prices as well as a change in policy that didn't allow people to bring their own beer anymore. General admission was raised from $2 to $10, parking from $2 to $10 plus $15 more for preferred parking, and reserved seats started at $60, up from $30 last year.
A view of the paddock and building from behind the Secretariat statue.
The NYPD mounted police were on hand during the Belmont for extra security. Many SWAT team members with machine guns were to be seen walking around the facilites as well. Security this year seemed to be even tighter than in the past.
Senior Vice President of VISA Michael Lynch and NBC sportscaster Bob Costas show off their racing ties. Costas lost a bet to Lynch and the pay-off was he had to wear this tie during the winner's circle ceremonies.
A mother hen and her four baby chicks on the backside next to Funny Cide's barn. You could hear many roosters crowing back there in the mornings as well.
Triple Crown quick links:
Da' Tara shocks in the 2008 Belmont Stakes - Longest shot on the board Da' Tara led the whole way, drawing off to win by 5 1/4 lengths over Denis of Cork. Heavy favorite Big Brown came up empty and was eased, finishing last. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
More Belmont Day Photos - 16 more photos including Shaquille O’Neal, the unused Triple Crown trophy, and more.
Manhattan Handicap and Just a Game Stakes Results - On the Belmont undercard, Dancing Forever just got up at the wire to beat favorite Out of Control in the Manhattan Handicap, while Ventura held off top choice Lady of Venice in the Just a Game Stakes. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
Acorn Stakes, True North Handicap, and Woody Stephens Stakes Results - Also on the Belmont undercard, Zaftig upset favorite Indian Blessing in the Acorn, top choice Benny the Bull got up in the final stride of the True North Handicap, and J Be K won wire-to-wire in the Woody Stephens Stakes. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
2008 Belmont Entries - A field of 10 was entered with Big Brown drawing post #1. Get all the horses, posts, and odds here.
