The Belmont Stakes, a legendary columnist, and the twilight of a lost world

The story of how I met the late Vic Ziegel and our week at Belmont

5/21/2021, 5:30 PM
June 7, 2008; Elmont, NY, USA; Big Brown (1) is led off the track after finishing 9th in the 140th Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park. Da' Tara (6) ridden by Alan Garcia won the race. / James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
June 7, 2008; Elmont, NY, USA; Big Brown (1) is led off the track after finishing 9th in the 140th Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park. Da' Tara (6) ridden by Alan Garcia won the race. / James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
Vic Ziegel (Photo Courtesy of Pat Carroll/New York Daily News) / Photo Courtesy of Pat Carroll/New York Daily News
Vic Ziegel (Photo Courtesy of Pat Carroll/New York Daily News) / Photo Courtesy of Pat Carroll/New York Daily News
June 7, 2008; Elmont, NY, USA; Big Brown (1) ridden by Kent Desormeaux finishes 9th in the 140th Belmont Stakes after Big Brown was eased up on final stretch at Belmont Park. Da' Tara (6) ridden by Alan Garcia won the race. / James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
June 7, 2008; Elmont, NY, USA; Big Brown (1) ridden by Kent Desormeaux finishes 9th in the 140th Belmont Stakes after Big Brown was eased up on final stretch at Belmont Park. Da' Tara (6) ridden by Alan Garcia won the race. / James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
June 7, 2008; Elmont, NY, USA; Kent Desormeaux sits aboard Big Brown (1) after finishing in 9th place in the 140th Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park. Kent Desormeaux eased up on Big Brown (1) on the final stretch. / James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
June 7, 2008; Elmont, NY, USA; Kent Desormeaux sits aboard Big Brown (1) after finishing in 9th place in the 140th Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park. Kent Desormeaux eased up on Big Brown (1) on the final stretch. / James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

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