Epic Triple Crown Upset: Antonucci and Arcangelo Rewrite the Race
Belmont Stakes Results Were Not What Anybody Expected
The 155th Running of the Belmont Stakes this past June 10, 2023, was the stunned witness to a double upset that etched new history in the annals of horse racing.
With a Triple Crown season scarred by thoroughbred fatalities and wildfire air quality issues on its back, Arcangelo (the dark horse of the race) soared to victory in an impressive upset that gave trainer Jena Antonucci -in yet another truly unforeseen upset- an unforgettable place in the sport’s record books: she was the first female trainer to bag a Triple Crown race win.
Triple Crown Makes Unexpected History
On a day when all hopes for a Triple Crown winner had evaporated, the Triple Crown still managed to make its own kind of history.
As a pack of fine thoroughbreds vied for the coveted trophy of the last of the Triple Crown races, it was Arcangelo, the underdog, a horse that had not even smelled the previous Kentucky Derby nor Preakness Stakes, the one horse who seized the win and made his trainer, Antonucci, the torchbearer for women in the sport.
It was Arcangelo, the $35,000 purchase per Bloodhorse, racing in only his fifth competitive appearance, that ultimately clinched the glory. With this momentous milestone for women in horse racing brought about by Antonucci, she had some stirring words post-race, igniting inspiration for all: “Never give up. And if you can’t find a seat at the table, make your own table. Build your team, and never give up. You are seen, people see you, just keep working your butt off.”
What Went Down With the Favorites?
Forte, the Kentucky Derby favorite who was unexpectedly scratched off the Derby race card, managed to clinch second place, while Tapit Trice, another Derby favorite, rounded out the top three. The Preakness Stakes winner, National Treasure, who did manage to lead the field for much of the race, had to settle for a lower position this time around.
Arcangelo set off at a modest 7-1 odds, beginning the race towards the rear of the pack. It was in the final turn that Arcangelo made its electrifying surge, taking an inside route to grasp a full-length lead down the home stretch, in a victory that will echo in Belmont Park for generations.
Almost Derailed By Wildfires
The race was very nearly derailed due to air quality concerns caused by wildfires in Canada. Fortunately, the air quality improved enough to allow the race to proceed and make history.
From the ashes of a natural disaster rose a momentous celebration of a woman’s triumph in a sport long dominated by men, with a horse that was under the radar.
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