As in the previous year, the Belmont (the final jewel in the Triple Crown) was run without the elusive championship at stake as 2011 Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom lost in the Preakness.

[1] Favorite Animal Kingdom lost his footing at the start and could only muster sixth; Ruler On Ice, with jockey Jose Valdivia Jr., sprinted to the finish ahead of Stay Thirsty.

[1] Animal Kingdom attempted to become the 12th horse to complete a Derby-Belmont double,[3] last accomplished by Thunder Gulch in 1995.

Shackleford finished in 5th place after leading for most of the race before the final stretch.

[3] Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom was installed as the 2–1 early line favorite.