Dornoch, a 17-1 longshot, was the official winner of the 2024 Belmont Stakes. Ridden by jockey Luis Saez and trained by Danny Gargan, Dornoch completed the 1 1/4-mile race at Saratoga Race Course in 2:01.64, holding off a late charge from Mindframe and the favorite, Sierra Leone.
The Historic Shift to Saratoga Race Course
The 2024 Belmont Stakes marked a significant departure from tradition. For the first time in the race's long history, the "Test of the Champion" was moved from its namesake home at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, to the historic Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs. This relocation was necessitated by a massive $455 million renovation project at Belmont Park, aimed at modernizing the facility and installing a new synthetic track alongside the traditional dirt and turf courses.
Because of the configuration of the Saratoga track, the traditional 1 1/2-mile (12-furlong) distance of the Belmont Stakes could not be accommodated. Starting a 1 1/2-mile race at Saratoga would require beginning on a turn, which is considered unsafe and unfair in American dirt racing. Consequently, the New York Racing Association (NYRA) shortened the 156th running of the Belmont Stakes to 1 1/4 miles (10 furlongs). This adjustment fundamentally changed the handicap of the race, making it the same distance as the Kentucky Derby and potentially favoring horses with mid-range stamina rather than the extreme "marathon" specialists typically sought for the traditional Belmont distance.
Detailed Race Recap: How Dornoch Stunned the Field
The 2024 Belmont Stakes was defined by a gritty, front-running performance that defied the betting public's expectations. Dornoch, who had entered the race with somewhat diminished stock after a disappointing tenth-place finish in the Kentucky Derby, broke sharply from post position 6.
The Early Pace
From the jump, Dornoch established a forward position. However, he was not alone. Seize the Grey, the winner of the Preakness Stakes, contested the lead early under jockey Jaime Torres. The two horses set a brisk but manageable pace, clicking off the first quarter-mile in 22.99 seconds and the half-mile in 47.25 seconds. For much of the backstretch, it appeared to be a duel between the two recent Triple Crown stars, with Dornoch stalking just off the rail.
The Turn and Stretch Run
As the field rounded the far turn at Saratoga, Seize the Grey began to tire, unable to sustain the pressure from Dornoch. Luis Saez took the opportunity to send Dornoch to the lead. As they entered the homestretch, Mindframe, a lightly raced but highly talented colt trained by Todd Pletcher, made a massive move. Mindframe appeared to have the momentum to pass Dornoch, but the "greenness" of the challenger became evident. Mindframe drifted significantly wide under jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., losing precious ground and momentum.
Dornoch, showing immense heart and veteran composure, dug in along the rail. Despite Mindframe correcting his course and surging again, Dornoch crossed the finish line a half-length ahead. Sierra Leone, the heavy 8-5 favorite known for his deep closing style, once again found himself with too much work to do late. He finished third, another length back, followed by Honor Marie in fourth.
Profile of the Champion: Dornoch
Dornoch’s victory was a redemption story for trainer Danny Gargan and the ownership group, which included West Paces Racing LLC, R.A. Hill Stable, Belmar Racing and Breeding, LLC, Two Eight Racing, LLC, and Pine Racing Stables.
Pedigree and Bloodline
Dornoch’s victory was also a significant moment for Thoroughbred breeding. He is a son of Good Magic out of the mare Puca. Notably, Dornoch is a full brother to Mage, the winner of the 2023 Kentucky Derby. This makes Puca one of the rare "blue hen" mares to produce two different Triple Crown race winners in consecutive years. His pedigree suggested he would have the stamina for the 1 1/4-mile distance, even if many bettors doubted his form following the Derby.
Career Trajectory
Prior to the Belmont, Dornoch had shown flashes of brilliance, including a victory in the Remsen Stakes (Grade 2) as a two-year-old and the Fountain of Youth (Grade 2) earlier in 2024. However, his performance in the Blue Grass Stakes and the Kentucky Derby led many to believe he had peaked too early. The Belmont victory proved that when he is able to secure his preferred forward position and engage in a dogfight, he is one of the most resilient colts of his generation. Following his Belmont triumph, Dornoch further cemented his legacy later in the summer of 2024 by winning the Haskell Stakes at Monmouth Park.
Official 2024 Belmont Stakes Race Results
The following table provides the official order of finish and the payouts for the 156th Belmont Stakes.
| Finish Position | Horse Name | Jockey | Trainer | Closing Odds | Payout ($2 Win) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Dornoch | Luis Saez | Danny Gargan | 17.70 | $37.40 |
| 2nd | Mindframe | Irad Ortiz, Jr. | Todd Pletcher | 5.30 | $6.80 (Place) |
| 3rd | Sierra Leone | Flavien Prat | Chad Brown | 1.70* | $2.80 (Show) |
| 4th | Honor Marie | Florent Geroux | D. Whitworth Beckman | 14.80 | - |
| 5th | Antiquarian | John Velazquez | Todd Pletcher | 12.30 | - |
| 6th | Protective | Tyler Gaffalione | Todd Pletcher | 30.25 | - |
| 7th | Seize the Grey | Jaime Torres | D. Wayne Lukas | 5.20 | - |
| 8th | Mystik Dan | Brian Hernandez, Jr. | Kenneth McPeek | 6.40 | - |
| 9th | The Wine Steward | Manuel Franco | Michael J. Maker | 19.30 | - |
| 10th | Resilience | Junior Alvarado | Bill Mott | 13.90 | - |
*Indicates the post-time favorite.
Exotic Payouts
- $1.00 Exacta (6-10): $162.75
- $0.50 Trifecta (6-10-9): $238.12
- $0.10 Superfecta (6-10-9-8): $1,053.50
Impact on the 2024 Triple Crown Season
The 2024 Triple Crown season was notable for its lack of a dominant individual, as three different horses won the three legs:
- Kentucky Derby: Mystik Dan
- Preakness Stakes: Seize the Grey
- Belmont Stakes: Dornoch
This distribution of victories highlighted the depth and parity of the three-year-old crop in 2024. Mystik Dan, who attempted to become a rare two-leg winner, appeared fatigued in the Belmont, finishing a disappointing eighth. Seize the Grey, who had captivated fans with a wire-to-wire win at Pimlico, found the pace pressure from Dornoch too much to handle at Saratoga.
The 2024 Belmont also served as a "changing of the guard" for jockeys and trainers. For Luis Saez, it was his second Belmont Stakes victory (having won previously with Essential Quality in 2021). For trainer Danny Gargan, it was a career-defining moment, marking his first victory in a Triple Crown classic.
Technical Analysis of the Saratoga Track Conditions
The track at Saratoga on June 8, 2024, was listed as Fast. Despite some humidity, the surface remained firm and conducive to speed, which played directly into Dornoch’s hands.
Statistical analysis of the race fractions shows that the pace was honest:
- 1/4 Mile: 22.99
- 1/2 Mile: 47.25
- 3/4 Mile: 1:10.67
- 1 Mile: 1:35.51
- Final (1 1/4 Miles): 2:01.64
Comparatively, the 2:01.64 time was respectable for the 10-furlong distance at Saratoga, though it did not challenge the track record. The most critical technical aspect of the race was the final quarter-mile. Dornoch and Mindframe battled through the final two furlongs in approximately 26.13 seconds. While not a blistering closing speed, the exhaustion of the field was evident, and Dornoch's ability to maintain his stride under pressure was the deciding factor.
Betting Outcomes and Market Reactions
Dornoch’s victory was a "bracket buster" for many bettors. Heading into the race, most of the "smart money" was on Sierra Leone, who had lost the Kentucky Derby by a nose and was widely considered the most talented horse in the field. Mindframe was the "buzz horse" of the week, being an undefeated challenger from the powerful Todd Pletcher barn.
Because Dornoch had finished a lackluster tenth in the Derby, the betting public largely dismissed him, allowing his odds to swell to 17-1. This provided a massive windfall for those who stayed loyal to the colt's earlier form. The failure of the favorites to finish on top resulted in a high-paying Exacta and Trifecta, especially considering the relatively small ten-horse field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2024 Belmont Stakes?
The 2024 Belmont Stakes was won by Dornoch, a three-year-old colt sired by Good Magic. He was ridden by Luis Saez and trained by Danny Gargan. He won the race as a 17-1 longshot.
Why was the 2024 Belmont Stakes held at Saratoga?
The race was moved to Saratoga Race Course because Belmont Park was undergoing a massive multi-year renovation. The $455 million project included rebuilding the grandstand and installing new racing surfaces. The Belmont Stakes returned to Saratoga again in 2025 before the scheduled return to the new Belmont Park.
What was the distance of the 2024 Belmont Stakes?
The distance was 1 1/4 miles (10 furlongs). This was a temporary change from the traditional 1 1/2-mile distance. The change was necessary because Saratoga’s track layout cannot accommodate a 1 1/2-mile dirt race without starting on a turn, which is considered undesirable for a Grade 1 stakes race.
What were the payouts for the 2024 Belmont Stakes?
Dornoch paid $37.40 to win, $17.60 to place, and $8.10 to show. The $2 exacta featuring Mindframe (the runner-up) paid $325.50.
Did any horse win the Triple Crown in 2024?
No. The 2024 Triple Crown was split among three different horses: Mystik Dan (Kentucky Derby), Seize the Grey (Preakness Stakes), and Dornoch (Belmont Stakes). This is a common occurrence; since 1978, there have only been two Triple Crown winners (American Pharoah in 2015 and Justify in 2018).
How did the favorite, Sierra Leone, perform?
Sierra Leone finished third. He was the 8-5 betting favorite. As a deep closer, he was somewhat disadvantaged by the 1 1/4-mile distance and the firm Saratoga surface, which favored horses closer to the early lead. Despite a strong late run, he could not catch Dornoch or Mindframe.
Summary of Next Actions for Racing Enthusiasts
For those looking to analyze the historical significance of the 2024 Belmont Stakes, the best next step is to review the Equibase Official Chart for the race. This document provides a jump-by-jump breakdown of every horse's position and the specific lengths between them at each point of call.
Additionally, as we move through the 2026 racing season, keeping an eye on the progeny of Good Magic and the mare Puca is highly recommended. The success of both Mage and Dornoch has made this bloodline one of the most coveted in the industry. For fans of Saratoga, the 2024 Belmont remains a landmark event that proved the "Spa" could successfully host the final leg of the Triple Crown, a feat that has permanently altered the discussion surrounding the rotation of major New York racing events.
