With I'll Have Another out of the 144th running of the Belmont Stakes the race lost its luster as there was no chance for a Triple Crown winner. Even without a Triple Crown threat in the race, the Belmont track is still one of the more difficult races, and this years race did provide some drams.
Poytner came out of the gate fast to take an early lead through the first turn where they led over Union Rags by about three lengths and then were followed by Dullahan. On the backstretch, Paynter was followed by Optimizer, Unstoppable U and My Adonis, with Union Rags close behind the pack.
Union Rags made their run with approximately 100 yards and on the inside rail. They kept pushing and pushing until Unior Rags caught Poynter and edged them out to win the race.
For more on the Belmont Stakes and the race for the Triple Crown, stay with this StoryStream and check out SB Nation's horse racing blog And Down the Stretch They Come. There, you'll also find a beginner's guide to following horse racing and a glossary of horse racing terms.
