2004 Belmont Stakes
The 2004 Belmont Stakes was the 136th running of the Belmont Stakes. The 1+1⁄2-mile (2,400 m) race, known as the "test of the champion" and sometimes called the "final jewel" in thoroughbred horse racing's Triple Crown series, was held on June 5, 2004, three weeks after the Preakness Stakes and five weeks after the Kentucky Derby.
| Belmont Stakes | |
| Location | Belmont Park Elmont, New York, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Date | June 5, 2004 |
| Distance | 1+1⁄2 mi (12 furlongs; 2,414 m) |
| Winning horse | Birdstone |
| Winning time | 2:27.50 |
| Final odds | 36.00 (to 1) |
| Jockey | Edgar Prado |
| Trainer | Nick Zito |
| Owner | Marylou Whitney Stables |
| Conditions | Fast |
| Surface | Dirt |
For the third year in a row, a horse won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, only to lose the Belmont Stakes, lengthening the Triple Crown drought to 26 years. In 2004 before a record crowd, Smarty Jones was thought to have an excellent chance of completing the series as he was unbeaten and dominant in his earlier races. However, he failed to relax during the early part of the race when pressured by horses who eventually finished well back. Smarty Jones hit the lead with over half a mile to go but did not have enough energy left to withstand a late charge by Birdstone, who won at odds of 36–1.