In the 155th edition of the legendary Belmont Stakes, 8-1 betting underdog Arcangelo ended up in the winner’s circle in the third leg of the annual Triple Crown, and made added history with the victory.
On Saturday, the focus of the horse racing world was on the 2023 Belmont Stakes in Elmont, New York. While the event did not have the added intensity of a Triple Crown challenger taking part, it still offered up winners and top contenders from the first two races in the legendary trilogy.
Related: Everything you need to know about the 2023 Belmont Stakes
Entering the race at Belmont Park, Kentucky Derby contenders Forte and Tapit Trice were two of the betting favorites to be victorious at the Belmont. The horses trained by racing great Todd Pletcher were understandable favorites based on their impressive resumes heading into this year’s Triple Crown series.
Arcangelo wins Belmont Stakes with late charge
Furthermore, Preakness Stakes winner National Treasure was also a participant looking to win two of the three legs of the Triple Crown in 2023. And for much of the race, Treasure led until just a couple of furlongs left in the chase for history.
However, Arcangelo was on Treasure’s tale throughout. And when it came time to take control and win the race, the three-year-old trained by Jena Antonucci dominantly took the lead and never relinquished it. Becoming the 2023 Preakness Stakes winner.
With the victory, Arcangelo made history for his trainer as Antonucci became the first woman to lead a horse to a Belmont Stakes and Triple Crown race win. The horse’s rider, Javier Castellano, secured his second win in a Triple Crown race and his first in the Belmont Stakes.