MAIN Recreation Sports Horse Racing 2009 Belmont Stakes

Check out the top contenders, post positions, odds, facts & figures, history & trivia plus related recipes and party ideas — along with everything else you ever wanted to know about the Triple Crown finale in New York.

The action took place this year at Belmont Park, Saturday June 6, 2009, post time 6:27 PM ET. On race day complete TV coverage aired on ABC beginning at 5 PM ET.

Since Preakness winner Rachel Alexandra was pulled from the last leg of the Triple Crown, that left star jockey Calvin Borel to ride Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird for the final showdown in New York.

With odds set at 2-1, Mine That Bird was a heavy favorite, but it was Summer Bird ridden by jockey Kent Desormeaux, who flew past nine other contenders to win at Belmont.

The post positions, odds and jockeys for the 141st running of the Belmont Stakes announced on June 3 were:

1. Chocolate Candy, 10-1, Garrett Gomez
2. Dunkirk, 4-1, John Velazquez
3. Mr. Hot Stuff, 15-1, Edgar Prado
4. Summer Bird, 12-1, Kent Desormeaux - BELMONT WINNER
5. Luv Gov, 20-1, Miguel Mena
6. Charitable Man, 3-1, Alan Garcia
7. Mine That Bird, 2-1, Calvin Borel
8. Flying Private, 12-1, Julien Leparoux
9. Miner's Escape, 15-1, Jose Lezcano
10. Brave Victory, 15-1, Rajiv Maragh

also see Feature Story -> Belmont - Race to the Triple Crown

Kentucky Derby | Preakness

Belmont Stakes - The official site offering up video clips, history and trivia and the complete lineup for the big race in June, along with feature stories & highlights

NBC Sports - Horse Racing - The official home of the two other televised races in the Triple Crown featuring Belmont news and related articles, video clips, history and trivia, plus fun features on the Kentucky Derby and Preakness races.

Thoroughbred Times On-Line - Road to the Triple Crown - All the past winners from Sir Barton (1919) to Affirmed (1978) with illustrated background on each, other major contenders of note, news, recent results on horses to watch, and lots more.

Belmont Stakes - Deep background, historical facts & photos from Wikipedia, along with a complete list of winners and jockeys dating back to 1867.

also see -> New York City Tourist Attractions

Ascot Week | Breeders Cup

Belmont Stakes Party Ideas

The Belmont Breeze - Party on - with information and a recipe for the official drink of the Belmont Stakes.

The Belmont Stakes Cocktail - Another excuse to party from That's the Spirit.com, offering up a shaken blend of rum, vodka, grenadine, lime juice and strawberry, with mixing instructions.

FamilyFun: Horse Cake - Dessert for kids of all ages, with licorice for the bridle, and a jelly bean nose.

Millemark Equine Postcard Center - Say 'hay!' with a selection of photos to send as free e-invitations to the party.