ELMONT, N.Y. — The masses of people who swept into Belmont Park Saturday on a beautiful, sunny June afternoon hoped that they might witness history.
Twelve times since 1978, Belmont crowds had hoped they would see a Triple Crown winner in the Belmont Stakes. And 12 times they left with their hopes dashed, as well as the hopes and dreams of trainers, owners and jockeys.
Real Quiet lost by a nose. Charismatic pulled up lame. War Emblem stumbled out of the gate. Others were beaten by fresher horses that didn't run in the Preakness.
Saturday, 90,000 horse racing fans — women wearing frothy hats, men in bow ties and shorts — crushed into Belmont Park to watch the latest contender, American Pharoah, try to do something no thoroughbred had done in 37 years.