Justify claims Triple Crown

Justify has won the Belmont Stakes in New York to become the 13th horse to claim United States thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown.

Sent out favourite, the colt was barely pushed as he led all the way to complete the 1-1/2 mile (2400m) course in overcast but dry conditions at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York.

The victory marks the second Triple Crown win for Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, who also won the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes with American Pharoah in 2015.

Owned by China Horse Club, Head of Plains Partners, Starlight Racing & WinStar Farm, Justify was ridden to victory by 52-year-old Mike Smith who became the oldest jockey to win the Triple Crown.