June 7, 2024
The 2024 Belmont Stakes lived up to its reputation as the “Test of the Champion,” delivering a dramatic finish that saw a little-known contender pull off a shocking upset. With no horse vying for the Triple Crown this year, the final leg of the series still managed to captivate fans with an electrifying stretch run that defied expectations.
A Race No One Saw Coming
Heading into the race, much of the attention was on Kentucky Derby winner Rising Glory and Preakness Stakes champion Steel Thunder, both of whom were heavily favored to add another jewel to their resumes. But in a stunning turn of events, Silver Comet, a 21-1 long shot, surged past the competition in the final strides, claiming victory in one of the biggest Belmont upsets in recent memory.
Ridden by veteran jockey Luis Fernandez, Silver Comet stayed well off the pace for much of the grueling 1.5-mile race, allowing the frontrunners to dictate the tempo. As the pack approached the final turn, Fernandez made his move, guiding Silver Comet through an opening along the rail.
With a powerful final burst, Silver Comet charged down the homestretch, overtaking both Rising Glory and Steel Thunder in the closing yards to snatch victory by a half-length. The Belmont Park crowd erupted in disbelief as the underdog crossed the wire first, securing a career-defining win for Fernandez and trainer Maria Delgado.
Jockey and Trainer Reflect on Historic Win
“I knew he had the stamina, but we needed the perfect trip,” said Fernandez, celebrating his first Belmont Stakes triumph. “Once we found daylight, I just let him run. He gave me everything he had.”
For trainer Maria Delgado, the win was especially sweet. Having trained several competitive horses but never a classic winner, she called the victory “a dream come true.”
“This horse has always had heart, and today he showed the world what he’s capable of,” Delgado said. “To win the Belmont, against this level of competition, is something I’ll never forget.”
An Unpredictable Triple Crown Season
With three different winners across the Triple Crown races, the 2024 season proved to be one of the most competitive in recent history. The absence of a dominant force in the series has set the stage for intriguing rivalries as the season progresses toward the Breeders’ Cup in the fall.
While Silver Comet’s victory may have been unexpected, it serves as a reminder that in horse racing, anything is possible. The Belmont Stakes once again proved why it remains one of the most exciting and unpredictable races in the sport.
