Mo Donegal won the 2022 Belmont Stakes, with Nest and Skippylongstocking coming in second and third, respectively
He remained in the middle of a tight pack for much of the race, but he defended the interior rail under the guidance of jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. This put him in position to make a move into the final turn, charging into first place and not looking back.
Nest followed on the heels of Mo Donegal, overtaking We the People and Skippylongstocking down the final stretch. Rich Strike, who won the first jewel of the Triple Crown with 80-1 odds, entered Saturday’s race as an established contender. He hung near the back before moving up down the last half mile, but he was unable to repeat his Derby heroics.
The paths of the top-two finishers have been long intertwined, dating back to their days being bred at Colts Neck Stables. Mo Donegal and Nest also share a trainer -- Todd Pletcher -- who picked up his fourth win at the Belmont Stakes. Pletcher also has two Kentucky Derby wins to his name .