Arcangelo takes Belmont Stakes; Jena Antonucci first female trainer to win race

History was made at the 155th running of the Belmont Stakes.

On Saturday in New York, Arcangelo beat out the favorite, Forte, by finishing the third leg of the Triple Crown with a time of 2:29.23 and roughly one and a half lengths ahead of second place. By doing so, Jena Antonucci became the first female trainer in the race’s history to win the race and the first woman ever to win a Triple Crown race. Arcangelo also beat out Preakness winner National Treasure (trained by Bob Baffert) in the process. Tapit Trice finished in third.

“I don’t know that we have words right now. I’m gonna need a minute on all of this,” Antonucci said after the historic finish. “I don’t have words yet, we’re trying to soak all this in. Just so proud of the horse right now, it’s amazing.”

Arcangelo was ridden by jockey Javier Castello, who rode Kentucky Derby winner Mage but switched to the gray colt when Mage did not run in the Belmont. Arcangelo entered the field with the third-best odds at 7-1. Despite falling behind early, Arcangelo surged down the final turn to win the 1.5-mile-long race.

On a $2 bet, Arcangelo paid $17.80 to win, $7.20 to place, and $4.90 to show.

ARCANGELO WINS THE BELMONT STAKES! 👏🏆 pic.twitter.com/e4EC5B0RTG

— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) June 10, 2023

In a sport dominated by males, Antonucci’s barrier-breaking win is a testament to her dedication. The 47-year-old has been training thoroughbreds for about 13 years. Only 11 women have even saddled a horse at the Belmont, let alone won the entire race.

“Never give up. And if you can’t find a seat at the table, make your own table,” Antonucci added. “And build your team and never give up. You are seen, people see you. Just keep working your butt off.”

Poor air quality in the northeast nearly caused the New York-based race into a cancelation, but conditions steadily improved throughout the week, allowing for the historic run.