BELMONT STAKES SET FOR 20TH JUNE

The Gr.1 Belmont Stakes will be run as the first leg of the US Triple Crown for the first time in history this year, as it is scheduled to take place on 20th June. Usually the third and final leg of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes now falls first in line, as the Gr.1 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs and the Gr.1 Preakness Stakes at Pimlico have been rescheduled to Saturday, 5th September and Saturday, 3rd October respectively. The Belmont Stakes, which will be held behind closed doors, will also be reduced in distance from 1m4f to 1m1f to reflect the changes to the Triple Crown series and the overall calendar for three-year-olds. NYRA tracks have been closed since 15th March, but have been given the all-clear to re-open behind closed doors on 1st June. The details of the first meeting back will be announced shortly.