EquiSpace’s Gene Kershner first discovered the Belmont by watching Birdstone foil Smarty Jones’ bid for the Triple Crown. Since then Kershner has been to the race five times and this year will make a sixth.

He writes: “I’ve come to really appreciate Belmont Park as a race track and I’ve tried to see something new everytime I’m there. So what makes it so cool…especially on Belmont Stakes Day?”

The cool things about the track on Belmont Stakes day include the Triple Crown Placards where the silks of all previous Triple Crown winners are displayed all day when there is a Triple Crown on the line. Also on the list are the Backyard Bands and the win photos of all previous Belmont winners. The trophies being displayed outside make the list. Other cool things include the guitarist you try to stump in order to get a $2 wager voucher, the paddock toteboard, and the Belmont Barbershop where you can get a haircut before the big race.

Kershner writes: “For those of us out-of-towners who don’t frequent Belmont as much there is so much to see and I’m sure I’ve only touched a tip of the iceberg of the cool things about Belmont. 18 days and counting.”