On June 9,2018 Jacob and I went to Belmont Park in Elmont, New York
The highlight of the day would be the running of the 150th Belmont Stakes, the third leg of the Triple Crown Series.
When we arrived, we were given foam crowns for the horse Justify, and his attempt to win the 13th Triple Crown in history. Justify had won the first two legs of the Triple Crown, the Kentucky Derby, and the Preakness Stakes.
Jacob and I during the days races
During the day I got to see a number of people that I have gotten to be friends with over the last couple years. One of those is my special friend Bethann. She is the only woman Bugler in the history of the Triple Crown Series, and has played the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes a number of times now.
Penelope Miller is the Senior Manager for Americas Best Racing, and a wonderful Equine Photographer. She has given me image use permission for drawings on a number of her wonderful shots.
It was an absolute pleasure to meet Barbara Livingston. Nobody who follows racing does not know the photography of Barbara. Insanely talented herself, Jacob was very proud when she told him, "Your Dad is very talented" referring to my artwork which she is familiar.
One of the races during the day was the Ogden Phipps Handicap. The race, a Grade 1, is contested on dirt at 1 1/16 miles for fillies and mares 4 years and up. Abel Tasman, trained by Bob Baffert, and with Mike Smith in the irons was one of the favorites.
When the race was over, Abel Tasman has won the race by 7 lengths. This photo was entering Winners Circle, with Bob Baffert in the foreground.
It was finally time for the Belmont Stakes. This photo is Justify approaching the gates. Justify, like Abel Tasman is also trained by Bob Baffer, and also ridden by Mike Smith.
And their off in the 150th Belmont Stakes!
Justify coming to the wire in the lead to become the 13 Triple Crown Winner!
Justify is only the second horse to win the Triple Crown undefeated. The only other horse to do that was Seattle Slew.
Un-raced at 2, Justify's unbeated career was completed in 112 days, 6 races on 4 different tracks.
Jockey Mike Smith in Winners Circle
