Fansided

The official flower of each Triple Crown race, explained

By Zoe West

LOUISVILLE, KY - MAY 06: Javier Castellano acknowledges the crowd after winning the Kentucky Oaks aboard Cathryn Sophia
LOUISVILLE, KY - MAY 06: Javier Castellano acknowledges the crowd after winning the Kentucky Oaks aboard Cathryn Sophia /
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ELMONT, NY – JUNE 10: Mike Smith, aboard Mor Spirit
ELMONT, NY – JUNE 10: Mike Smith, aboard Mor Spirit /

Belmont Stakes: White Carnation

Unlike the other two races, the original link between the Belmont Stakes and white carnations is unknown. There is no innate connection between white carnations and either New York or the actual Belmont Stakes. By the time the garland of roses appeared for the Derby winner, roses had been linked to the race for years. The Black-eyed Susan was adopted as the state flower for Maryland in 1918. The flowers appeared in the Preakness in the 1930s. White carnations don’t have any connection to the Belmont, or to New York. However, the flowers themselves represent love and luck, both important things for success in the Belmont Stakes.

Because of the time of year the Belmont is held, carnations aren’t readily available in New York. The flowers used for the winner’s blanket are generally imported from Columbia, and occasionally California.

Next: 20 short stories about the 2018 Kentucky Derby horses

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