The Belmont Stakes, the final leg of the Triple Crown, saw a surge in viewership as FOX and FS1 broadcast the race to over 3.8 million viewers. This represents a 5% increase from the previous year’s audience, with the live race peaking at 5 million viewers in the early evening. The race, held at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York, featured the highly anticipated showdown between Sovereignty and Journalism, two horses with contrasting narratives.
Sovereignty, ridden by jockey Javier Castellano, delivered a stunning finish in the final strides of the race, overtaking Journalism to secure the Triple Crown. This marked Sovereignty’s second victory of the year, following a dominant win in the Kentucky Derby. Journalism, the Preakness winner, had entered the race as the favorite, but was outpaced by the underdog’s late surge. The victory has reignited conversations about the rarity of Triple Crown wins, with only a handful of horses achieving the feat since the 19th century.
FOX Sports highlighted the Belmont Stakes as the most-watched sporting event of the weekend, outperforming major events such as the women’s French Open final, the WNBA game, and pro wrestling matches. The race’s popularity also reflected the broader appeal of horse racing, which has seen a revival in interest amidst growing digital engagement. However, the event was not without controversy. During the Kentucky Derby, a prominent social media influencer became embroiled in a heated debate over their attire, sparking a wider conversation about cultural norms and the intersection of sports and modern entertainment.
The triumph of Sovereignty has left fans questioning the future of horse racing, particularly with the ongoing debate about the sustainability of the sport. While the Triple Crown victory is a historic milestone, it has also sparked discussions about the role of social media, the influence of celebrities in sports, and the challenges facing traditional sports in an era of rapid change. As the racing world reflects on this historic win, the focus now shifts to whether Sovereignty’s success will set a new standard for future champions.