The 10 Fastest Horses to Ever Win the Belmont Stakes

Galloping into the world of horse racing, we delve into the Belmont Stakes, where champions are born and legends are made. In this article, we unveil the lightning-fast hooves of the 10 fastest horses to ever win the Belmont Stakes! From thundering hooves to record-breaking speed, these horses have become household names in the history of horse racing. Let’s get to know these equine superstars!

The Belmont Stakes

Among the most esteemed events on the horse racing calendar is the Belmont Stakes. Taking place every year at Belmont Park, New York, this legendary race captivates audiences from near and far.

Dating back to its inception in 1867, the Belmont Stakes is the oldest of the Triple Crown races. Held three weeks after the Preakness Stakes and five weeks after the Kentucky Derby, this event marks the finale of the Triple Crown series.

Also called the “Test of the Champion,” the Belmont Stakes has a grueling 1.5-mile track. 

The Belmont Stakes has undergone various changes in its running distances. It was initially conducted over a distance of 1⁵⁄₈ miles. Later, it was changed to 1¹⁄₂ miles for a few years. Subsequently, the distance was further modified to 1¹⁄₄ miles and then 1¹⁄₈ miles. However, it eventually returned to its classic and current distance of 1¹⁄₂ miles, which has remained unchanged.

Beyond the racing spectacle, the Belmont Stakes is an occasion for fashion, celebration, and camaraderie. Fans flock to the racetrack dressed in their finest attire, savoring the atmosphere filled with excitement and anticipation.

1. Secretariat – 2:24.00

Secretariat was an extraordinary American thoroughbred racehorse renowned for his remarkable achievements. He holds the distinction of being the ninth winner of the American Triple Crown, securing his place as one of the greatest racehorses in history. Interestingly, Secretariat’s unmatched speed still holds the record for the fastest times in all three Triple Crown races.

His victory in the Belmont Stakes, where he crossed the finish line 31 lengths ahead, is one of the most iconic races ever. Even after almost fifty years, his undefeated performance in the Belmont Stakes still holds the record for the fastest time over 1 1/2 miles on dirt in the United States.

Recognizing his exceptional talent, Secretariat was rightfully honored with induction into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1974, just a year after his extraordinary Triple Crown victory.

Unfortunately, in the autumn of 1989, Secretariat fell victim to laminitis, a painful and debilitating hoof condition. Despite undergoing a month of treatment, his condition did not improve. As a result, the decision was made to euthanize him on October 4 when he was 19 years old. 

Secretariat was laid to rest at Claiborne Farm with a rare distinction – unlike tradition, he was buried in his entirety.

2. Easy Goer – 2:26.00

Easy Goer made a lasting impact in the world of horse racing. Since Spectacular Bid in 1979, he became the first two-year-old to win a Triple Crown race, marking a remarkable feat. Notably, Easy Goer holds the record for the fastest mile on dirt by any three-year-old in Thoroughbred racing history, completing it in an impressive time of 1:32+2/5. This outstanding performance surpassed Secretariat’s stakes record by a full second.

Easy Goer demonstrated his true potential in the Belmont Stakes of 1989. Displaying immense strength and determination, Easy Goer surged past his rival around the far turn and won by a commanding eight lengths in a time of 2:26, making it the second-fastest Belmont ever recorded.

Tragically, at the age of eight in 1994, while out jogging in his paddock at Claiborne Farm, Easy Goer collapsed and passed away. He was laid to rest alongside Secretariat and numerous other esteemed horses at Claiborne Farm, marking his place among the sport’s greats.

3. A.P. Indy – 2:26.13

A.P. Indy, a remarkable American Thoroughbred racehorse, etched his name in history by capturing the Belmont Stakes and Breeders’ Cup Classic on his way to earning the prestigious American Horse of the Year title in 1992. Notably, A.P. Indy played a significant role in a unique achievement, being part of the only three-generation sequence of Belmont Stakes winners ever witnessed in American racing.

In a race conducted on a good track, the promising stallion A.P. Indy showcased his exceptional talent and determination. With a perfectly timed rally, he showcased his prowess by overtaking Pine Bluff and fending off My Memoirs to secure a hard-fought victory. Crossing the finish line three-quarters of a length ahead, A.P. Indy completed the race in a brilliant time of 2:26.13. 

A.P. Indy’s legacy extended beyond the racetrack, as he lived a remarkable life that spanned 31 years, a significant milestone for a horse. From June 2017 until his passing, he held the distinction of being the oldest living winner of the Belmont Stakes. Unfortunately, due to the effects of old age, A.P. Indy peacefully passed away on February 21, 2020, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in the world of horse racing.

4. Risen Star – 2:26.40

Risen Star, an impressive American Thoroughbred racehorse, achieved notable victories in the Belmont Stakes and Preakness Stakes during the year 1988. This dark bay colt boasted an exceptional lineage as the offspring of the legendary Triple Crown winner, Secretariat. Risen Star’s remarkable performances earned him the prestigious second $1,000,000 Chrysler Triple Crown Bonus, courtesy of his triumphs in two of the esteemed Classic races.

After a third-place finish in the Kentucky Derby, Risen Star continued his ascent through the ranks of the Triple Crown by securing a resounding victory in the Preakness. However, it was his awe-inspiring performance in Belmont that truly solidified his reputation. After closely tracking the early pace set by Winning Colors, the Kentucky Derby winner, Risen Star, took control of the race and unleashed a powerful surge, ultimately crossing the finish line in an impressive time of 2:26.4. 

Regrettably, an injury sustained during the Belmont Stakes abruptly curtailed Risen Star’s racing career. On March 13, 1998, Risen Star passed away at Walmac International, where he was laid to rest. In honor of his exceptional legacy, a prominent Kentucky Derby prep race, the Risen Star Stakes, was named after this remarkable horse.

5. Point Given – 2:26.56

Point Given emerged as an exceptional Thoroughbred racehorse, earning the prestigious title of American Horse of the Year in 2001. Throughout that remarkable year, he achieved victories in the Belmont Stakes, Haskell Invitational, Preakness Stakes, and Travers Stakes, an unprecedented feat of winning four consecutive $1 million races. Recognizing his illustrious career, he was rightfully inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2010.

During the Belmont Stakes, Point Given exhibited a dominant performance characterized by a strong surge in the middle phase of the race, followed by a sustained drive down the home stretch. This exceptional display propelled him to a resounding victory, completing the race in an impressive time of 2:26.56. This remarkable achievement ranks among the five fastest times recorded in the history of the Belmont Stakes.

Unfortunately, just one week after triumphing in the Travers Stakes, a strained tendon brought Point Given’s racing career to an end.

6. Gallant Man – 2:26.60

Gallant Man, a racehorse born outside the United States, stands out as one of the most accomplished horses in history. He narrowly missed victory in the 1957 Kentucky Derby but made a remarkable comeback by securing a record-setting win in the 1957 Belmont Stakes. According to the latest available records, Gallant Man holds the distinction of being the longest-lived racehorse to ever win any Triple Crown race, living for an astounding 34 years and 171 days.

In the Belmont Stakes, Gallant Man’s stablemate, Bold Nero, played a crucial role by setting a fast pace as a “rabbit.” Bold Nero pushed the race favorite, Bold Ruler, to swift fractions of 46.8 seconds and 1:10.6. Initially, Bold Ruler led the race for the first 1 1/4 miles. However, Gallant Man made a breathtaking surge, sweeping past his competitors and dominating the race with an impressive eight-length lead. His remarkable time of 2:26.60 set a U.S. record at that time.

Following his retirement in 1981, Gallant Man lived a peaceful life until September 7, 1988, when he was euthanized at the age of 34. 

7. American Pharoah – 2:26.65

American Pharoah, an impressive Thoroughbred racehorse, wrote his name in history by winning the Breeders’ Cup Classic and achieving the prestigious American Triple Crown in 2015. He proudly joined the elite ranks as the 12th Triple Crown winner in history, and his triumph in all four races marked the first-ever Grand Slam of Thoroughbred racing. Such extraordinary accomplishments led to his induction into the US Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 2021.

Putting an end to a 37-year-long drought without a Triple Crown victor, American Pharoah delivered an unforgettable performance in the Belmont Stakes. With a mesmerizing display of rhythm and precision, he maintained consistent quarter-mile times ranging from 24.06 to 24.77 seconds. With unrelenting determination, American Pharoah surged to the finish line, leaving his competitors behind and crossing it with a commanding lead of 5 1/2 lengths. The clock stopped at an impressive time of 2:26.65, making him the most recent horse to surpass the elusive 2:27.00 barrier.

Following his triumphant racing career, American Pharoah was transported to Ashford Stud on November 2, 2015. He took up residence in the very stall once occupied by the legendary Grand Slam.

8. Affirmed – 2:26.80

Affirmed emerged as a remarkable champion Thoroughbred racehorse and became the eleventh winner of the coveted American Triple Crown. His name is forever etched in racing history due to his legendary rivalry with Alydar, with whom he crossed paths in ten thrilling encounters. Following Affirmed’s triumph in the Triple Crown, fans had to endure a 37-year wait until American Pharoah emerged victorious in 2015 to accomplish the same feat.

The Belmont Stakes witnessed an epic battle between Affirmed and his long-standing adversary, Alydar, resulting in a blazingly fast winning time. Their intense duel spurred Affirmed to a relentless display of speed, covering the final quarter-mile in a mere 25.2 seconds. In a gripping finish, Affirmed emerged triumphant by a mere head, completing the race in an impressive time of 2:26.80. 

Tragically, in 2001, a severe illness cut Affirmed’s life short. He fell victim to laminitis, a circulatory hoof disease that posed a grave threat to his well-being. This same affliction had also claimed the life of another esteemed Triple Crown winner, Secretariat. 

9. Tabasco Cat – 2:26.82

Tabasco Cat, a notable racehorse, achieved fame for his impressive victories in 1994, capturing both the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes, the second and third legs of the esteemed Triple Crown Series. As a two-year-old, Tabasco Cat demonstrated his prowess by securing a significant win in the Fort Springs Stakes held at Keeneland Race Course.

Fresh off his remarkable upset victory over Go for Gin in the Preakness, Tabasco Cat continued his reign of dominance in the Belmont Stakes. Patiently tracking Go for Gin for the initial 1 1/4 miles, Tabasco Cat unleashed a powerful rally, ultimately surging to a comfortable two-length victory in a commendable time of 2:26.82.

In 2000, Tabasco Cat found himself under new ownership, being sold to the Japan Bloodstock Breeders’ Association. He took up residence at their esteemed Shizunai Stallion Station, where he stood as a stallion until 2004. Unfortunately, at the age of thirteen, Tabasco Cat tragically passed away from a heart attack while in the breeding shed.

10. Creme Fraiche – 2:27.00

Creme Fraiche, an American Thoroughbred racehorse, initially perceived as a “late bloomer,” defied expectations with an impressive three-year-old campaign. Notably, he triumphed in both the Derby Trial and the prestigious Belmont Stakes, solidifying his reputation as a resilient competitor. By the conclusion of his third year, he had amassed an impressive tally of five graded stakes victories.

In the year 1985, Creme Fraiche left an indelible mark on the Belmont Stakes, completing the race in a remarkable time of 2:27.00. This accomplishment secured his place among the ten fastest horses to have ever graced the esteemed event.

Following his retirement at the age of seven, Creme Fraiche found a peaceful abode at Brushwood Stable near Malvern, PA, where he spent his days enjoying a well-deserved pension. Unfortunately, Creme Fraiche’s life was cut short at the age of 21 due to a severe bout of laminitis, prompting the difficult decision to euthanize him on October 9, 2003.

Summary Of The Fastest Horses To Ever Race The Belmont Stakes