There were plenty of winners at the Belmont Stakes, but proceedings went downhill for some revelers who appeared to have overindulged on sun soaked day of racing action.
New Yorkers stepped out in style on Saturday to celebrate the final of the Triple Crown Thoroughbred racing events – the Belmont Stakes.
Horse racing fans and betting enthusiasts alike showed up in Belmont during the afternoon, ahead of the evening event.
Many spectators hit the bars early in the afternoon as they enjoyed the racing day, with temperatures reaching 79 degrees Fahrenheit.
One young man was helped by police to an awaiting emergency response vehicle, appearing to be intoxicated on a day when thousands of racing fans attended the Belmont Stakes in Long Island
A group of females, thought to be the man’s friends, speak to paramedics at an ambulance at Belmont Park on Saturday
Another young man is seen taking some sort of liquid for his hand from a paramedic who were on standby at the scene
Spectators went for a flutter and plucked up their courage with beers, spirits and mixers, plus cocktails in branded jars
A number of young people were seen enjoying alcoholic beverages from early in the day as temperatures reached 79F
One young man who seemed unable to walk had to be escorted by police to emergency responders where they got him a wheelchair to sit in.
An ambulance was waiting at Belmont Park as a group of the man’s friends appeared to look concerned for his welfare. It is known whether he was taken to hospital or returned home by himself.
One reveler who was present claimed that some young adults at the event were found passed out in the grass area of the racetrack as the Triple Crown- got underway.
From early on in the day spectators were seen cheering during an early race and hardly any were seen without their palm wrapped around an alcoholic concoction.
Those who came to place their bets on the sport slurped on cans of beer, spirits and mixers plus cocktails in branded Belmont Stakes Mason jars.
This group of men were hoping their luck was in as they enjoyed a drink and smoked cigars track-side
This couple, who dressed up in matching gingham outfits, looked preoccupied as they watched a race
A group of spectators are seen examining a race card as they enjoy the sunny day at Belmont Stakes
This group of female friends were dressed up to the nines with chic obligatory fascinators at an event that is known as much for its fashion as the racing
Of course, among the thousands who traveled down the to tracks in Long Island, a large proportion were dressed in colorful ensembles.
Meanwhile away from the bars, Justify has won the Belmont Stakes and become the 13th horse to win the Triple Crown of thoroughbred racing, days after it was revealed billionaire international financier George Soros is a 15 per cent stakeholder in the winner.
The chestnut colt’s wire-to-wire victory came in the 150th running of the Belmont Stakes Championship Horse Race on Saturday at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York.
Jockey Mike Smith, 52, was overjoyed after crossing the finish line atop Justify with a healthy lead on the second place finisher Gronkowski. Finishing third was Hofburg.
Jockey Mike Smith was seen giving the thumbs up as his horse Justify won the Belmont Stakes, becoming the 13th horse to win the Triple Crown of thoroughbred racing,
Justify crosses the finish line to win the Triple Crown, winning wire-to-wire on the mile and a half track
‘I thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,’ said Smith, the oldest jockey to win the Triple Crown, immediately after the race. ‘This horse ran an amazing race. He’s sent from heaven.’
It was the second Triple Crown win for trainer Bob Baffert, who also trained the 2015 winner American Pharaoh.
The mile-and-a-half track at Belmont, significantly longer than the first two races in the Triple Crown, is known as the test of champions and the hardest race in the series.
Justify was a complete unknown just 16 weeks ago, having not raced as a two-year-old. The horse has since gone on to win every race it has run.
The champion colt got an early jump out of the gate in the first post position, one that trainer Baffert likes to avoid but which turned to Justify’s advantage.
Restoring Hope, also trained by Baffert, ran interference for Justify by holding in second position on the outside, forcing would-be challengers to swing extra wide.
Jockey Smith made it look easy, working the colt in a relaxed pace though the back stretch and holding firm for the lead.