Photos: Scenes from a historic 2023 Belmont Stakes

It was a picture-perfect day at Belmont Park last Saturday as the 155th running of the Belmont Stakes was held before a spirited crowd of more than 48,000.

History was made in the 12th race of the 13-race card when Jena Antonucci became the first female trainer to ever win a Triple Crown race when Arcangelo finished atop the nine-horse field in the Belmont.

It was also a historic evening for Arcangelo jockey Javier Castellano, who five weeks earlier guided Mage to victory in the Kentucky Derby. Castellano has now captured all three Triple Crown races after winning the Preakness twice earlier in his career.

The race marked the 50-year anniversary of Secretariat’s electrifying 31-length Belmont triumph. One of the symbols used to honor “Big Red” this year was the addition of blue roses to the traditional blanket of white carnations awarded to the winner, reminiscent of the famous blue and white checkerboard silks of Secretariat’s owner, Meadow Stable.

Arcangelo, owned by Blue Rose Farm, returned $17.80 for a $2 win ticket. Forte, sent off as the favorite, charged late to finish second just a nose ahead of Tapit Trice. Angel of Empire and Hit Show finished in a dead heat for fourth. Rounding out the field was National Treasure, Il Miracolo, Red Route One and Tapit Shoes.