Essential Quality wins 2021 Belmont Stakes

There was no traffic jam, no one hawking souvenirs or food outside Pimlico Race Course and not a six-pack in sight. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the traditional second jewel of the Triple Crown was now the last in the series, and instead of being run under a blazing sun during the third week in May, the 12-race card was held on an October afternoon better suited for football. The clubhouse one floor down served as an auxiliary jockeys room.