For the first time in history, the Belmont Stakes will be the first leg of horse racing's Triple Crown. The New York Racing Association announced Tuesday that the race will be held June 20 at a distance of 1⅛ miles, rather than the traditional 1½ miles.
The Kentucky Derby has been moved from May 2 to Sept. 5 and the Preakness Stakes from May 16 to Oct. 3. The Belmont, originally scheduled for June 6, will be run without spectators.
The date could prove problematic to horses that were expected to run in the Santa Anita Derby, which is also 1⅛ miles, on June 6. While horses can run on two weeks' rest, trainers prefer to bring horses back after a month without racing, especially if their previous race was taxing. Owners and trainers on the West Coast likely will have to choose between the $400,000 Santa Anita Derby or the $1 million Belmont Stakes.
nfl
Rooney Rule changes passed
Changes designed to enhance opportunities for minorities to get executive, head coaching and coordinator positions were passed by NFL owners.
They include addendums to the Rooney Rule, which has fallen short in its goal of increasing diversity.
By the beginning of 2021, all clubs now will be required to interview at least two minority candidates from outside the organization for head coach vacancies; at least one minority candidate for any of the three coordinator vacancies; and at least one external minority candidate for senior football operations or general manager positions.
The Rooney Rule has been expanded to apply to a wide range of executive positions. Teams must now include minorities and/or female applicants in the interviewing processes for senior level front-office positions.
• Jesse Freitas Sr., a quarterback on the inaugural San Francisco 49ers squad who was the second-oldest living NFL player, died Monday morning at his home in San Diego at the age of 99.
