The Belmont Stakes is the third leg of the Triple
Crown, following five weeks after the Kentucky Derby, and three weeks
after the Preakness Stakes. The Belmont Stakes is called the "Run for
the Carnations" because of the blanket of white carnations that are
draped over the winner's neck. Through 1996, the post parade song was
"Sidewalks of New York." This tradition mirrors the singing of two
other songs at the post parades of the first two Triple Crown races, My
Old Kentucky Home at the Kentucky Derby and Maryland, My Maryland at
the Preakness Stakes.
The first
Belmont Stakes was held at Jerome Park in the Bronx, built in 1866. The
race continued to be held at Jerome Park until 1890 when it was moved
to Morris Park, a nearby racetrack in the Bronx. The race remained
there until the May 1905 opening of the new Belmont Park, 430 acre (1.7
kmē) racetrack in Elmont, New York.