The 144th running of the Belmont Stakes lost a lot of luster as there was no chance at a Triple Crown winners since I'll Have Another was scratched on Friday due to a tendon injury, which the horse suffered in a training session.
The race had an exciting finish as Paynter nearly went wire-to-wire to win at Belmont. Paynter sprinted out to an early lead around turn one where they had a large lead over Union Rags as well as the favorite Dullahan.
Paynter kept their lead down the back stretch over Optimizer, Unstoppable U and My Adonis, Union Rags was just behind in fifth place. Then during the races final 100 yards, Union Rags made an incredible run down the rail to edge out Paynter by a head length to win the 2012 Belmont Stakes.
For more on the Belmont Stakes and the race for the Triple Crown, stay with thisStoryStream and check out SB Nation's horse racing blog And Down the Stretch They Come. There, you'll also find a beginner's guide to following horse racing and a glossary of horse racing terms.