Overnight ratings for The Belmont Stakes were solid, considering there was no traditional Triple Crown at stake, but were still off over 50% from a year ago.
The race segment of The Belmont Stakes drew a 5.0 overnight rating on ABC Saturday afternoon, down 52% from a 10.5 overnight last year, when Big Brown was going for the traditional Triple Crown. The 5.0 marks a 43% increase from a 3.5 in ’07, the last time the Belmont did not feature the possibility of a traditional Triple Crown.
This year’s race segment lasted from 5:30-7 PM, while last year’s lasted from 6:15-7:15 PM.
Despite the big decline in ratings, the 5.0 for the race portion of The Belmont Stakes topped Roger Federer‘s win at the French Open (1.8), Tiger Woods‘ win at The Memorial (3.6), and Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals (2.6).
Overnight ratings for race segment of The Belmont Stakes since ’02.
| Year | Date | Time | Winner | Net | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Sat., 6/6/09 | 5:30 PM | Summer Bird | ABC | |
| 2008 | Sat., 6/7/08 | 6:15 PM | Da’ Tara | ABC | |
| 2007 | Sat., 6/9/07 | 5:30 PM | Rags to Riches | ABC | |
| 2006 | Sat., 6/10/06 | 5:30 PM | Jazil | ABC | |
| 2005 | Sat., 6/11/05 | 6:15 PM | Afleet Alex | NBC | |
| 2004 | Sat., 6/5/04 | 6:15 PM | Birdstone | NBC | |
| 2003 | Sat., 6/7/03 | 6:00 PM | Empire Maker | NBC | |
| 2002 | Sat., 6/8/02 | 5:30 PM | Sarava | NBC |
