1997 Belmont Stakes : Full ABC Broadcast

After winning the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness in photo finishes, Silver Charm failed to complete his march into history yesterday when he was overtaken in the final 100 yards and lost the Belmont Stakes to Touch Gold by three-quarters of a length before a throng of 70,682 spectators at Belmont Park.
Silver Charm, the gray colt from California, seemed to have won the race in the homestretch when he caught and passed his old rival, Free House. But he simply did not see Touch Gold rushing past both of them on the outside. And, in a flash, the dream of a lifetime was gone: Silver Charm did not become the 12th horse to win the Triple Crown, nor the first since Affirmed did it 19 years ago, and he missed the chance to win the $5 million bonus that went with sweeping America's three classic races for 3-year-olds.
''I saw a shadow out of the corner of my eye,'' said the jockey Gary Stevens, describing the final seconds of the race aboard Silver Charm. ''It was Touch Gold, and Silver Charm never saw him.''
Touch Gold, who ran fourth in the Preakness after stumbling badly out of the starting gate, came back three weeks later to run a shrewd and strategic race in the Belmont. And he did it with a fiberglass patch wrapped around his left front foot, which he cut when he kicked himself during his disastrous start in the Preakness.
This time, he stalked the leaders during a slow pace and made the final turn for home still trailing Silver Charm and Free House. But after a rousing duel down the homestretch, he executed his coup, running down Silver Charm in the final strides. Free House finished another length behind in third place.
''It's sad not to have a Triple Crown,'' said Frank Stronach, the Canadian horseman who owns Touch Gold. ''But this is a competition. That's what racing is all about.''
The Silver Charm camp accepted the melodramatic defeat with grace. Bob Lewis, the beer distributor from Southern California who owns the colt with his wife, said: ''The horse is in a class that few reach. It was a wonderful ride from start to finish. We'll go on from here.
''How can you feel downhearted when you win the Derby and the Preakness and finish second in the Belmont?''
www.nytimes.com/1997/06/08/spo...

[@michaelblowen7415]

We're so excited to have Silver Charm and Touch Gold at Old Friends where they get to see each other every day. Thanks to Beverly and Jeff Lewis and Frank Stronach

[@lancefarmer2508]

Michael Blowen u r such a class act! The thoroughbred warrior is so much better off with u a part of their world 🌎! :)

[@theearl1477]

First let me say thank you Mr. Blowen for all you do for these horses. I know Silver Charm is your favorite. I'd love ti see him. He was one of the great ones. The Belmont Stakes is my favorite race more so than the Breeder's Cup. This is the true test in horse racing.

[@mohinibudhidat210]

​@@lancefarmer2508à2344f5gghh777jvvv free skßwjk2kk2k2kwkjèo1291123e33e834le3444o4orè2111111111w1ßssjdddñdxxxdddddddndzxs,ßznznxbdßjßk2i22i22eé45itiiit44e332229l1111133ii4rr4r44ehhdddhdehdhdhehe3xjxddfbfdbfffffffxxxm..szzzsñwk192wow2344t5oro5tte1qqoqw8ßdjdddf4rrr4t55t555u1wu2wuuwu3u33e333e74u4u4u4irrirràajddddddfd4rr444rzxxfbhghhhfdffff😮😅w8wi2wwwwßmsnßßddd3esjedddjdxdfdfrddddde43j3u3e37wuue3e77u83e3k3o2zhaaáeeèjj2jsaaás443hejè2hwjwk23éhh2ehhhe3jii8diid8dîj44dje4drrtr7232wuuii922lk23wwssdxjñxxdxdfffrr4r4rerh4hjîß32w9ó44rrrrh4r433222yy2yuu2u7w2822ii2233é44xdyh3e333333e333ee3èh2w6e62wyu22e3e33i38333e3333ddßhszxbddddddé4erg

[@timothyhollywood2130]

I own a son of Free House. My big white gelding inherited dad's drive, heart and playfulness. He's a great horse and I consider myself very lucky.

[@timothyhollywood2130]

@Mateo Tatum What does your hacking software have to do with my great horse and his sire? Advertise your crap elsewhere more appropriate.

[@janicewhedbee5199]

Just love this here after 33yrs later in 2019. Free House, he is absolutely gorgeous atough babe racing so so close being a triple crown even The lovely Silver Charm. This is the best of the Best 3Legs Race with these two Champs. Oh how l miss them. ❤️❤️🐎🐎🌹🌹

[@bubblinbrownsugar616]

Wow! 😮 Silver Charm, Touch Gold, and Free House ran their butts off and some.

[@richardk6196]

I'd forgotten what a strange race this was. Silver Charm leading out of the gate than dropping back, Touch Gold leading through the early part of the race, dropping back and than coming on in the stretch and Free House inexplicably coming from off the pace.

[@DanielSong39]

Crypto Star never really made that late run

[@question_it_701]

This is THE year that I got started watching horse racing. This is THE race that got me "hooked". As time went on, I felt bad for Bob and Beverly Lewis. I would have to say, looking back, this is the most heart breaking year for me. Silver Charm was stubborn, never give up, gritty, consistent horse. He had 24 races. Never again will we see a horse that goes into Belmont with a chance to win the Triple Crown, who ends up with 24 career races. Unless it's a gelding of course. Folks don't run their horses any longer than they have to anymore. Thank you Bob and Beverly Lewis (RIP). You gave us the opportunity to watch Silver Charm all the way into his 5th year. Finished in the money 21 of 24 races. Silver Charm is now the oldest living Kentucky Derby winner and the oldest living Preakness winner. He feels like an old friend. I have a picture on the shelf in my office with Silver Charm and Free House running nose to nose in the stretch of the Preakness. He doesn't have a lot of time left with us. It saddens me to think of the day he passes. ❤

[@DanielSong39]

California Chrome ran 27 races

[@question_it_701]

@@DanielSong39 Yep. His owners are true friends of the sport also.

[@orcashadow8989]

So ironic that Gold came first and Silver second... It could have been none else than Touch Gold!

[@theearl1477]

Bob Lewis...always a class act. Silver Charm ran a great race, but Touch Gold had it in the end. Now they are both riding and playing at Old Friends everyday. Thank you Michael Blowen!

[@user-xc5nl8jm8b]

The 1997 group is one of the most underrated groups ever. Silver Charm, Free House, Touch GOLD, Captain Bodgit.

[@anthonygarcia6746]

silver charm by the head bob man this race brings me back memories silver charm was the first horse i was a fan of back when i was a kid my dad use to work at gulfstream park so i would spend most of my weekends there i loved it i still go everyweekend till this day i was crushed when he didnt win the triple crown but i will neevr forget silver charm aslong as i live god bless him

[@tizfrreecharm]

My favorite non-Triple Crown winning year; anyone else notice that the Belmont 1-2-3 placings were occupied by Cal-based cots, jockeys and trainers? In other words, a SWEEP!

[@gpipeline]

Great race! Great call!

[@russellchavous8725]

Awesome strategy in this race, made all the difference

[@tdward23]

How so? I'm aaking honestly. I truly have no idea what I'm talking about, and it seemed to me that SC lost the race when Gary let him go wide in turn one. The rail was right there... No snark, no sarcasm, what was the strategy? Thanks for reading

[@tdward23]

I'm an idiot. So much so that I've tried to ask you this once, but I don't think it posted. What was the strategy? Seemed to me that SC had the rail in turn 1 and Gary let him go wide? That mistake led to SC being gassed at the end. What am I missing? No snark here, no sarcasm here, I'm truly interested in the strategy here. Thanks

[@RealJackHQ]

My father’s PBA tournament was actually broadcast right before this race. Wish we could have provided better luck to Silver Charm though. Still, what an amazing racehorse and one of the greatest names ever for a horse altogether.

[@kennethnero2011]

It’s been 24 years since he lost the triple crown

[@DanielSong39]

Touch Gold was simply the best horse on that day. He was inconsistent and had tons of physical issues, but when he's on... well, you saw what happened.

[@johnnyballenatl]

After many years of "Sidewalks Of New York", these 1997 Belmont Stakes would be the first in which the horses came out to "New York, New York".

[@jess4metoo]

They should go back to “Sidewalks of New York”. Stick with tradition.

[@evanwilliams6406]

So this was the first race to use it. I'm sure they wanted a more catchy and recognizable tune as we were at the end of the 90's.

[@fastgold3727]

Gran generación la del 97.... Silver Charm, Touch Gold, Free House, Capt Bodig, Concertó, Púlpit..... Generación dorada

[@JDjade1]

48:12 Bob Baffert: I don't think I'll ever experience..... Real Quiet, American Pharoah, and Justify: Hold Our Beers!!!

[@brandonalford227]

gary and mike smith n kent jerry baily pat day and chris mcarron. thats alot of experience

[@brandonalford227]

bobby b is the best trainer ever would love to meet him one day..

[@thehealthychefri]

Kent butchered Free house, 4 wide on the first turn and 3 wide on the far turn! Chris saved all the ground all the way around, then made the perfect Belmont move, off the rail for clear sailing!

[@FreshCutFrenchFries]

13:11 - Tool - 46 and 2!! Awesome!!

[@bnegs521]

I was so glad that Touch Gold won this one. Canm't think of a bigger assface combination at the time than Baffert and Stevens. Glad McCarren shoved this one right in Baffert's face.

[@david1044]

Wow, Free House must have run 20 yards further tgan anybody, and still was right there.

[@tdward23]

GARY!!! WHY!!!??? As stated on this thread, support Old Friends.

[@ronsmac]

“3 quarters in 113 and 4/5ths. That’s good time.” I’m not sure what Johnson meant.

[@gpipeline]

Where was Captain Bodgett in this race?

[@gpipeline]

One of my favorite horses.. unfortunately was injured prior to the race, and never raced again.

[@newstarcadefan]

One of the many close calls in the Triple Crown. Touch Gold came up exactly like Usain Bolt to grab the old that day.

[@Caroni100]

Touch Gold (May 26, 1994 - ) * Sire: Deputy Minister * Grandsire: Vice Regent * Dam: Passing Mood * Damsire: Buckpasser * 15 Starts * 6 Wins * 3 Seconds * 1 Third * U.S.$ 1,179,907 earned * Owners: Stoneside Stable & Frank Stronach * Trainers: Daniel J. Vella David Hoffmans (At age 3) * Jinetes: Gary Stevens Chris McCarron * Greetings from Venezuela. Touch Gold (26 de Mayo, 1994 - ) * Padre: Deputy Minister * Madre: Vice Regent * Abuelo: Passing Mood * Abuelo Materno: Buckpasser * 15 Salidas * 6 Primeros * 3 Segundos * 1 Tercero * U.S.$ 1,179,907 producidos * Propietarios: Stoneside Stable & Frank Stronach * Entrenadores: Daniel J. Vella David Hoffmans (A la edad de 3) * Jinetes: Gary Stevens Chris McCarron * Saludos desde Venezuela.

[@eajinabi]

Touch Gold did not win this race. It was Chris McCarron that won this. Just watch how he once took the lead at the backstretch, he did not take the bait as the other 3 horses passed him. Sat chilly in third saving ground then hooked to the outside with plenty of horse left. Saying that this was a great ride is an understatement

[@billbriscoe9414]

This is EXACTLY what is going to happen to Justify. He is going to be blown away big time! NO Horse that has not previously raced in New York has won the Triple Crown. This race proved it and Justify will do the same thing.

[@waltercook3197]

Bill Briscoe WELL JUSTIFY MADE YOU EAT YOU WORDS BIG TIME HUH.? Lol 😃😃😃😃

[@billbriscoe9414]

He did a great Job Walter. After watching him a couple weeks after I posted this he looked better and better so I made a couple bets on him and Gronk. I did NOT get my Superfecta with Gronk on top damn it but did get my 1,6,4 Trifecta and a 1,6 $20 Exacta that saved my butt. LOL. Great race and Bob Baffert can do wonders with horses.

[@bandovreal22]

What about American Pharoah he never raced in New York prior to the Belmont.

[@DanielSong39]

I think the big difference between now and then are the drug laws Horses that ran like champions would come to Belmont and run like also-rans without the Lasix Something to consider when handicapping these races

[@willnot3297]

That's the way to use stable mate's. Very smart .

[@reallytooy3187]

RIP Free House

[@reallytooy3187]

Sadly, he passed away in 2004 after an accident in which he fractured his skull.

[@brandonalford227]

he lost the same way pharoah did in traverse..used him self to put free house away jus like AP put frosted away to then both be caught.

[@DanielSong39]

The biggest surprise wasn't that Keen Ice won, it was that American Pharoah didn't flatten out down the stretch and finish a well-beaten third (or worse) Honestly I thought Frosted had put American Pharoah away at the top of the stretch

[@bessmulholland5805]

Well you. Cannot win them all 2nd,better than no place.

[@ericbeverly5336]

Race @ 43:00

[@bnegs521]

Great job by Mccarren to take Touch Gold around Freehouse to create a gap so that Stevens would have a harder time seeing him. McCarren took Stevens to school here and shoved it in his face. Stevens said he never saw Touch Gold. But you did see him Gary-- In the winner's circle. LOL

[@JoeNathan-iv9ky]

Let it go bro no foul in ky. derby. Old wives tale

[@rosscardenas6636]

stevens cost silver charm the triple crown

[@DanielSong39]

Touch Gold was just faster

[@boxcarent.3147]

Bob Baffert learned that to win the Belmont Stakes you have to get to the lead asap off the rail. Have another horse protecting you from a speed horse that will tire your horse before the stretch. By riding easy fractions without any fighting your horse will be strong down the stretch and win.

[@gpipeline]

Wrong. Victory Gallop was dead last thru most of the race, when he ended up being Real Quiet in the Belmont.

[@DanielSong39]

To be honest Touch Gold should have won the Preakness too

[@DanielSong39]

@Floyd Gibson Stumble at the gate and was boxed in, lost by 1 1/2 lengths

[@DanielSong39]

@Floyd Gibson Had injury problems so we never really got to see him perform at his full potential Durability is part of racing ability though

[@user-dm6qs2oc5v]

Robin Rexroad Crowd Surfing She Left Her Up Crowd Surfing Tell Robin Rexroad Crowd Surfing James Bond 007 She Loves Crowd Surfing Robin Rexroad Crowd Surfing Concert Tonight She Loves Play Her Baby Rock Concert Tonight Talent Show Robin Rexroad Crowd Surfing Come Baby Baby Baby Baby Baby Baby Baby Baby Baby Love

[@boswindle9050]

Should have never been in this position. Gary Stevens cheated in Kentucky Derby and came out on Captain Bodgit down the stretch

[@boswindle9050]

@Floyd Gibson I spent give a shit who scared who ..he came out on Captain Bodgit..and karma bit him in the ass in thr Belmont lololol

[@boswindle9050]

@Floyd Gibson I know horse racing. Look yourself in the mirror and ask why you say such stupid shit

[@JoeNathan-iv9ky]

Lie

[@boswindle9050]

@@JoeNathan-iv9ky well rewatch the video.

[@JoeNathan-iv9ky]

@@boswindle9050 watched it a million times.i used to be a jockey Love me some silver charm