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:
Top Kentucky Derby Contenders - my list of the top horses headed to the Derby with profiles for each with photos, stats, and link to more info like past performances and pedigree.
Analyzing the top 2013 Kentucky Derby contenders - My annual analysis of the top contenders to try and select a winner by matching each to the profile of a Kentucky Derby winner using many of the more popular angles and statistical trends. This year there were is a 3-way tie for the top spot: Goldencents, Normandy Invasion, and Overanalyze.
2013 Kentucky Derby And Oaks Security - New enhanced stricter rules will be enforced this year. Be sure to read the rules as many have changed and more things are banned. There will still be magnetic wand searches of all patrons and many things are no longer allowed. Check here to make sure you don't bring anything they will confiscate.
Review: Triple Crown Handicapper 2013 - by Jim Mazur. Includes lots of stats for all 3 races and explains how to use a system of statistically derived negative angles to eliminate the "bad" picks.
Review: Kentucky Derby Greatest Moments - Commemorative DVD from Churchill Downs with video from 27 different runnings along with interviews, photos, and historical info. Definitely recommended for any racing fan!
Review: Churchill Downs - America's Most Historic Racetrack by Kimberly Gatto. An entertaining and informative account of the history of the track and it's most famous race, the Kentucky Derby, with lots of photos. Definitely recommended.