Belmont Stakes 2012 Video: Watch Stunning Finish to Final Leg of Triple Crown

Union Rags finally delivered the type of performance most prognosticators had been waiting for. He chased down Bob Baffert's Paynter, I'll Have Another-style to secure the 2012 Belmont Stakes.

He just barely edged Paynter out at the tape, as Baffert was bitten by another late-charging horse in a Triple Crown race.

Baffert is also the owner of Bodemeister, the colt that I'll Have Another chased down at the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes.

It was an eerily similar finish at the Belmont.

Paynter had a strong start, as most expected, and held the field off for most of the race. This was a very impressive feat, especially considering this is a one-and-a-half-mile race track, and Paynter was largely regarded as a sprinter.

At the end, Union Rags' push and endurance was too much. 

It was an exciting race, and those that chose to watch it, despite the absence of I'll Have Another, were treated to a classic. It was a shame that I'll Have Another didn't get an opportunity to run for the Triple Crown, but in retrospect, horse racing fans saw three great races in the events.

All of them came down to the wire, and for purists that will likely be paramount. This called an end to what has been a thrilling Triple Crown season with tons of drama.

The year 2012 will likely be remembered as the year we almost saw the 12th Triple Crown winner, but hopefully Union Rags gets some love for running an awesome Belmont Stakes.

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