Sports

Essential Quality crosses finish line first in Belmont Stakes

Essential Quality trains ahead of the 153rd running of the Belmont Stakes horse race in Elmont, N.Y. — AP photo

Published June 5, 2021 4:55 PM

NEW YORK, NY — Favorite Essential Quality crossed the finish line first in the Belmont Stakes to give trainer Brad Cox his first win a Triple Crown race.

He could get another from the Kentucky Derby if Bob Baffert-trained Medina Spirit is disqualified.

Essential Quality passed early leader Hot Rod Charlie around the final turn and held on to win the 1 1/2-mile $1 million race.

Hot Rod Charlie was second, Preakness winner Rombauer third and Known Agenda fourth.

The race was run without any horses from the two-time Triple Crown winning trainer Baffert. New York suspended Baffert indefinitely after his Kentucky Derby-winning Medina Spirit failed a drug test.