On a historic day for New York horse racing, the Grade 1 Belmont Stakes was held at Saratoga Race Course for the first time in its storied history. This unprecedented event drew an enthusiastic crowd and record-breaking betting figures, marking a pivotal moment for both the sport and the iconic venue.

The Roar of the Crowd: A Day That Redefined Horse Racing

The Historic Venue Shift

For the first time in 156 years, the prestigious Belmont Stakes took place at Saratoga Race Course, transforming what would have been a routine Triple Crown event into a landmark occasion. The decision to relocate the race was driven by the ongoing construction of a new and reimagined Belmont Park, ensuring that this year's edition remained uninterrupted. The move not only preserved the integrity of the competition but also introduced a fresh dynamic to the race, enhancing its allure and significance.The shift to Saratoga brought with it an electric atmosphere, as fans flocked to witness history in the making. A sellout crowd of 50,000 spectators filled the stands, creating a vibrant and pulsating environment that resonated throughout the day. The excitement was palpable from the outset, with each race on the 14-race card drawing roaring applause and generating substantial betting interest. The Belmont Stakes program alone saw record handle figures, with $125,748,941 wagered from all sources, including $60,904,557 on the main event itself.

The Triumph of Dornoch

At the heart of this unforgettable day was the thrilling victory of Dornoch, trained by Danny Gargan and ridden by Luis Saez. The son of Good Magic emerged victorious in a dramatic stretch run, overcoming a field of talented contenders to secure a half-length win over Mindframe. Notably, Dornoch was an upset winner at odds of 17-1, underscoring the unpredictable and exhilarating nature of horse racing.Gargan, who has been a regular fixture in the New York racing scene since 2013, described the moment as a career-defining achievement. Winning his first Grade 1 race at one of his primary training bases was nothing short of a dream come true. "It’s a feeling I can’t quite explain," Gargan remarked. "Winning a big race at Saratoga is better than anything. If you can win one of the big races and it’s at Saratoga, it’s special."The emotional high of the victory was further amplified by the raucous crowd that greeted Dornoch as he returned to the winner's circle. Fans cheered and congratulated the team, creating an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. For Gargan, the support from the crowd was overwhelming. "There’s people screaming congrats, and it was just crazy. Saratoga is special. People just love racing there."

The Voice of the Spa

Frank Mirahmadi, the track announcer at Saratoga, provided a unique perspective on the day's events. From his vantage point, Mirahmadi witnessed the immense energy of the crowd and the sheer joy they derived from witnessing Dornoch's triumph. "It’s always great to hear the crowd acknowledge and cheer a horse like that when it’s not even the favorite or a horse everyone expected," Mirahmadi said. "Dornoch earned that victory, and it was nice to see the crowd respond that way to him."Mirahmadi, who has been the voice of Saratoga for the past three summers, emphasized the significance of the day. "Looking at the people and hearing the songs playing, looking around and seeing the smiling faces – everyone is happy." His role as both a fan and an announcer allowed him to fully appreciate the magnitude of the event. "It was amazing to see all those people there for this big moment. I’m just a fan with an incredible view and a privilege to be able to call it."One of the most memorable moments for Mirahmadi occurred shortly before the start of the Belmont Stakes. NYRA TV analyst Maggie Wolfendale shared the crowd noise with the national audience on FOX, capturing the electric atmosphere in real-time. "That was such an incredible moment, and I got goosebumps," Mirahmadi recalled. "It was one of those moments to absorb how huge this was. We had a terrific race, and it lived up to the hype. It was a tremendous renewal."

The Future of Saratoga and Belmont Park

As the 2024 Belmont Stakes becomes part of racing history, anticipation builds for the upcoming events in 2025. The 157th running of the Grade 1, $2 million Belmont Stakes will take place on Saturday, June 7, as part of a five-day Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga. The festival will offer world-class racing and entertainment, setting the stage for another unforgettable chapter in the sport's legacy.Just weeks later, Saratoga will host the July 4th Racing Festival from July 3-6, serving as a prelude to the traditional 40-day summer meet. Mirahmadi expressed his excitement for the future, noting that calling a jewel of the Triple Crown is always a highlight. "It’s always fun to look forward to great moments, and my job is to celebrate great winners," he said. "At Saratoga, we get to celebrate some pretty special and classy ones, so I’m looking forward to it again."Information about tickets and hospitality for both the Belmont Stakes and July 4th Racing Festivals will be available in early 2025. America’s Day at the Races will continue to provide live coverage and analysis of the Aqueduct Racetrack winter meet on the networks of FOX Sports. Horse players nationwide can also enjoy seamless betting through the official NYRA Bets platform, available on iOS and Android devices.