In 1979, the three-year-old Coastal did not run in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, having made his first start in April as a result of a serious eye injury that had cut short his racing at age two.
Prior to entering the mile and one-half Belmont Stakes, Coastal had raced only three times that year.
[1][2] His owner decided to pay the supplemental nomination fee and run the colt in the Belmont Stakes.
Coastal and Hernandez then won the Belmont in a huge upset over Spectacular Bid, (who placed third), becoming the first supplemental entry to ever win the race.
[4][5] He finished second to Affirmed in the Woodward Stakes and third in the Marlboro Cup Invitational Handicap behind Spectacular Bid and General Assembly.