Photo by Coglianese photo / NYRA
Arcangelo emerged victorious at the Belmont Stakes, marking a historic moment as Jena Antonucci became the first female trainer to win a Triple Crown race. The 1½-mile race concluded with Arcangelo finishing in 2:29.23 and leading by 1½ lengths ahead of the favored Fotre, while Tapit Trice placed third.
Jockey Javier Castellano, who rode Mage to victory in the Kentucky Derby, credited the win to Arcangelo, describing the horse as “wonderful.” Castellano was thrilled for Antonucci, praising her expertise as a horseman.
This feel-good moment adds a silver lining to the recent issues faced during the Triple Crown series, with several horses passing away at Churchill Downs and an air quality crisis threatening the Belmont Stakes due to Canadian wildfires.
Antonucci’s win is the culmination of determination and dedication, having been involved in racing since her youth and officially becoming a trainer in 2010. Starting with a small stable, she has sent under 2,000 horses to the post during her initial 13-year career.
The emotional Antonucci repeatedly reminded people not to give up and encouraged others to “make your own table” and work hard to be seen. As the 11th woman to race a horse in the Belmont, Jena Antonucci’s remarkable win with Arcangelo is surely a source of inspiration to aspiring trainers in the horseracing world.
The excitement continued to build as the race progressed. Arcangelo remained on the rail, running head to head with National Treasure on the far turn leading to the stretch. As they reached the stretch, Arcangelo seized the moment and moved to the front. Gaining some daylight between them and the rest of the field, Arcangelo ultimately never let any horse get closer than the final margin.
Coach Antonucci spoke highly of Arcangelo’s performance, stating that the horse has “the heart of a champion.” This notable victory cements Arcangelo’s reputation as a powerhouse in the equine sports world.
With National Treasure being a past champion, all eyes were on these two thoroughbreds as they competed neck and neck. Ultimately, Arcangelo was able to overtake National Treasure in the final moments and prove their dominance on the racetrack.
This victory is sure to send a message to competitors and racing enthusiasts alike that Arcangelo is a force to be reckoned with. As the racing season continues, anticipation is set to grow as more events unfold and new rivalries emerge.
The world of horse racing is ever-changing, and it is undoubtedly true that the tale of Arcangelo’s accomplishments has yet to reach its conclusion. As racing aficionados worldwide eagerly await the next contests, only time will tell what the future has in store for this formidable competitor.
