Tiz the Law wins the 152nd Belmont Stakes

Amir Vera
By Amir Vera, CNN
Updated 4:51 AM EDT, Sun June 21, 2020
Jockey Manuel Franco rides atop Tiz the Law crossing the finish line to win the 152nd running of the Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park on June 20, 2020 in Elmont, New York.
Jockey Manuel Franco rides atop Tiz the Law crossing the finish line to win the 152nd running of the Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park on June 20, 2020 in Elmont, New York.
Al Bello/Getty Images
CNN  — 

Tiz the Law won the 152nd running of the Belmont Stakes in Elmont, New York, on Saturday, according to the race organization’s official Twitter.

The entire race took place without spectators due to the coronavirus pandemic. The three-year-old colt was ridden by jockey Manny Franco and is owned by Sackatoga Stables under 82-year-old trainer Barclay Tagg.

Dr. Post and Max Player came in second and third, respectively.

Typically the third and final leg of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes was the first leg for the first time in history. The race was originally slated to take place on June 6.

Tiz the Law, with jockey Manny Franco, races past the finish line to win the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 20.
Tiz the Law, with jockey Manny Franco, races past the finish line to win the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 20.
Brad Penner/USA Today Sports
Franco celebrates after the big win.
Franco celebrates after the big win.
Michael Karas/NorthJersey.com/USA Today Network
The grandstand was empty, as spectators were not allowed to attend because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The grandstand was empty, as spectators were not allowed to attend because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Al Bello/Getty Images
Tiz the Law was the heavy favorite going in, and he backed it up with an impressive victory.
Tiz the Law was the heavy favorite going in, and he backed it up with an impressive victory.
Seth Wenig/AP
A closer look at the empty seats.
A closer look at the empty seats.
Seth Wenig/AP
Tiz the Law, center, leads the pack. Dr Post finished second, and Max Player finished third,
Tiz the Law, center, leads the pack. Dr Post finished second, and Max Player finished third,
Seth Wenig/AP
A message from New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is broadcast before the race.
A message from New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is broadcast before the race.
Brad Penner/USA Today Sports
Belmont workers watch an earlier race at the track.
Belmont workers watch an earlier race at the track.
Al Bello/Getty Images
Unneeded benches are stacked up at Belmont Park.
Unneeded benches are stacked up at Belmont Park.
Horsephotos/Getty Images
A horse gets hosed down on Saturday.
A horse gets hosed down on Saturday.
Seth Wenig/AP
Sam Grossman plays to an empty grandstand.
Sam Grossman plays to an empty grandstand.
Seth Wenig/AP
Patricio Gomez nuzzles with Wish before the start of an earlier race Saturday.
Patricio Gomez nuzzles with Wish before the start of an earlier race Saturday.
Seth Wenig/AP

Traditionally, the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes preceded the Belmont Stakes, but those two races were postponed as well due to the pandemic.

The Kentucky Derby is expected to take place on September 5, while the Preakness Stakes is scheduled for October 3, with Tiz the Law and his connections now immediately targeting the second leg of the famed Triple Crown and dreaming of a clean sweep.

“I’ve got the horse for the race,” said Franco.

“I’m very happy with the opportunity the owner has given me, and the trainer, Barclay, I’m in good hands.

“They know what they’re doing and the horse is really good.”

Saturday’s race was shortened from a mile and a half to a mile and an eighth, as the Belmont Stakes is typically the final race and the longest of the three.

CNN’s Allen Kim contributed to this report.