This is the fifth and final post in my series showcasing photos I took during the second Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga while shooting for the Saratoga Special. In this post I will show photos of basically anything that didn’t fit into the first four categories. Click here to see all the posts.
The August Belmont Trophy sits on display at the Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga, site of the Belmont Stakes Post Position Draw.
The post positions for the Belmont Stakes are announced.
Acacia Clément interviews Bill Mott, trainer of Sovereignty.
Acacia interviews John Shirreffs, trainer of Baeza.
Umberto Rispoli, Journalism’s jockey, talks to reporters.
Bill Mott gets ready to give a television interview.
The second annual Belmont on Broadway celebration featured live music and storefront displays. Above is the Crafters Gallery, which took the top prize.
G. Willikers always has an intriguing display, no matter what the occasion.
Impressions display showcased some of their awesome Belmont-themed products. I went in bought some stickers.
Lifestyles’ display featured horses which appeared as if they were passing through the glass (in fact, there were pieces glued on the outside).
Caroline and Main’s display paid tribute to the fashions at the track.
Jockey Flavien Prat awaits the results of an objection, which ended up with his mount being put up to first.
Father-son buglers Tony and Carson Gambaro are prepared to play the call to the post, rain or shine.
The rain came down, and folks were prepared.
Sometimes you just gotta make a run for it!
Jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. and his mount Tom Collins return after a race in the rain.
Flatten the Curve was much in need of a bath after the race.
Influencer Griffin Johnson, part owner of Sandman, was kind enough to pose for a photo when I spotted him under the clubhouse.
Analyst Maggie Wolfendale lopes by on her pony Norm.
Irad Ortiz, Jr. and Scottish Lassie return after their third place finish in the Grade I Acorn Stakes. Most recently, the filly won the Grade I Coaching Club American Oaks.
Saratoga is known as the Graveyard of Champions. Kentucky Oaks winner Good Cheer was unbeaten in seven starts going into the Acorn Stakes, but it just wasn’t the filly’s day. Part of what makes racing so exciting is that nothing is for sure. That being said, I hope we see more good things from Good Cheer in the future!
Frankie Dettori and May Day Ready return after a third (last) place finish in an off-turf Grade III Wonder Again Stakes.
Fans enjoy the chance to pet one of the ponies.
Junior Alvarado and 2023 Grade I Hopeful Stakes winner Nutella Fella return after their fourth place finish in the Grade III True North Stakes.
Owner Mike Repole (right) gives an interview after his homebred Fierceness finished second in the Met Mile.
New York governor Kathy Hochul, an advocate for horse racing, watches the action from her clubhouse box.
John Velázquez and Madaket Road return after their second place finish in the Grade I Woody Stephens Stakes.
Martín Estrada leads Uncaged back to the barn after his seventh place finish in the Belmont.
John Velázquez and Crudo return after their eighth place finish in the Belmont.
Mike Smith and Rodríguez return after their fourth place finish in the Belmont.
Umberto Rispoli’s disappointment is evident following his runner-up finish in the Belmont aboard favored Journalism.
Michael McCarthy, trainer of Journalism, displays professionalism and good sportsmanship despite the disappointment evident on his face.
Umberto talks to Michael McCarthy after the race.
Well, that’s a wrap on the Belmont! I’m only too excited we get to do this one more final time next year!
To see more of my equine photography be sure to follow me on Instagram and Facebook. All photos in this post © Samantha Decker and may not be reused without permission.
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One thought on “Looking Back at the Belmont: The Rest”
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I love these!