There were plenty of winners at the Belmont Stakes, but those who over indulged were not among them.
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
Drunken revelers took breaks from the fun by laying out on the grass for a siesta during the Belmont Stakes Race
Young adults were seen reeling for their partying by passing out in the grass area of the racetrack
Some revelers had too much fun tailgating on Saturday that they passed out on the grass
Of course, among the thousands who traveled down the to tracks in Long Island, a large proportion were dressed in colorful ensembles.
Sir Winston won the $1.5million Belmont Stake race, surpassing Joevia and Tax down in the last minute for the first prize.
Sir Winston, jockeyed by 34-year-old Joel Rosario and trained by Mark Casse, won the third leg of the 151st triple Crown, marking the second straight Triple Crown victory for Casse.
Rosario guided the chestnut colt from his No. 7 post to the finish line. For the first half-mile Sir Winston, named after Winston Churchill, was eighth in the pack, before breaking past the competition.
Saddle up! Young adults starting to scream and shout with their bets and cigars in hand as they watched the race
Cracking open some cold ones: This group of youngsters were seen strutting with some Tallboys in hand
Double fisting: These ladies were ready to make it a day to remember in their colorful ensembles (and drinks)
Some young men were spotted smoking cigars in the benches of the park as they watched the race
Love is in the air: The race was far from this couple’s mind as they made their way through the racetrack area
Security was on hand to keep an eye out for drunken revelers who may have had too much to drink
Rosario angled Sir Winston off the rail in the final stretch, which seemed to throw War of Will off guard and pushed him back to second.
In second place came War of Will, who was also trained by Casse and was expected to win after winning the Preakness Stakes. In third place was Joevia and in fourth was Tax.
Saturday marked a victorious Triple Crown debut for Sir Winston, who finished second in the Peter Pan Strike – the traditional prep race for the Belmont Stakes.
Casse said he wasn’t shocked with Sir Winston’s victory.
‘I said all week he was doing really well,’ Casse said. ‘He had a race over the track. What can I say? It’s just exciting.’
Victory: Sir Winston made history as the winning horse of the 2019 Belmont Stakes – winning the $1.5million prize in a surprise win for the Triple Crown. Sir Winston pictured above breaking the finish line on Saturday
Jockey Joel Rosario raises his hand in victory after Sir Winston finished in first place at the annual Belmont Stakes
Trainer Mark Casse proudly holds sup the August Belmont Trophy after Sir Winston won the 151st Belmont Stakes race
Sir Winston (number 7) pictured with jockey Joel Rosario crossing the finish line with War of Will in tow
The start of Saturday’s race is pictured above before the surprise victory by the chestnut colt Sir Winston
‘I could see where War of Will was struggling a little bit,’ Casse added. ‘He looked like maybe he was a little flat today.’
Saturday was the first time that Rosario rode Sir Winston and the two enjoyed uproarious support from the crowd of 56,217 people.
‘We’re very proud of him,’ the 58-year-old trainer said. ‘He’s kind of what our operation represents. We develop horses. The first two times he ran, he got beat 10 or 20 lengths. I can remember having a conversation with Mr. Farmer up at Saratoga and I said “Don’t give up on him.”‘
Of the $1.5million Belmont Stakes purse, $800,000 goes to the winner, or in this case, Sir Winston’s owner Tracy Farmer.
The second and third placed horses will receive $300,000 and $165,000 respectively, with the fourth and fifth placed receiving $90,000 and $45,000.
Before the craze: Spectators pictured above in their extravagant hats posing with quarter horse Red Shogun
Ladies stepped out in their racing day best with over-the-top hats and colorful frocks for the occasion
Brianna Nelson, of Stoneridge, N.Y., cheers during the third race of the day on Saturday above
Punchy colors and unique hats were the theme of the afternoon as spectators stepped out in their vibrant ensembles
This fan took the theme seriously and sported a horse mask while smoking a cigar through its nose
This dapper couple held hands as they overlooked the paddock on the Belmont Stakes Festival
Glamming it up: This woman dazzles in a pink hat with flowers and cat-eyed sunglasses
These ladies looked classy as they enjoyed the shade of their hats while watching the exciting race
