Justify, ridden by Mike Smith, wins the Triple Crown and the 150th running of the Belmont Stakes, Saturday, June 9, 2018, at Belmont Park in Elmont, NY. Longines, the Swiss watchmaker known for its elegant timepieces, is the Official Timekeeper and Watch of the 150th running of the Belmont Stakes. (Photo by Diane Bondareff/AP Images for Longines)
Justify, ridden by Mike Smith, made history on Saturday when the horse won the Triple Crown and the 150th running of the Belmont Stakes, where the event was timed by Longines. Longines has had a long love affair with the equestrian world, and is the Official Partner, Timekeeper and Watch of the 150th running of the Belmont Stakes. Justify is just the 12th horse since 1919 to win a Triple Crown. The Official Watch of the Belmont Stakes was a Longines Conquest V.H.P. “Very High Precision” quartz watch with a sporty appeal.
In 1919, Sir Barton won the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes to achieve what’s considered the greatest accomplishment of a thoroughbred racehorse. Today, almost 100 years later, Longines had the honor of timing Justify’s win at the Belmont Stakes, marking a Triple Crown victory that has only happened 12 times before. As the Official Timekeeper and Watch of Belmont Stakes, Longines awarded Justify’s owners, trainer and jockey with a timepiece — presented by Juan-Carlos Capelli, Longines Vice President and Head of International Marketing.
Longines Conquest V.H.P
“Longines’ passion for equestrian sport dates back to 1878, when it produced a chronograph engraved with a jockey and his mount. First worn on the racetracks as early as 1881 and extremely popular among jockeys and horse-lovers, this model enabled its user to time performances to the seconds. It was already being used by most sport judges in New York in 1886. In addition to being associated with Belmont Stakes, Longines is also the Official Partner and Timekeeper of the Kentucky Derby and the Title Partner of the Longines Kentucky Oaks, taking place each year in early May. Furthermore, in flat racing in the United States, the Swiss watch brand is the Official Timekeeper of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, taking place this year at Churchill Downs.”
A Raving Beauty, ridden by Irad Ortiz, Jr., wins the 25th running of the Longines Just A Game race, Saturday, June 9, 2018, at Belmont Park in Elmont, NY. Longines, the Swiss watchmaker known for its elegant timepieces, is the Official Timekeeper and Watch of the 150th running of the Belmont Stakes. (Photo by Diane Bondareff/AP Images for Longines)
