Belmont Stakes 2012 Video: Watch Union Rags Edge out Paynter

Union Rags hadn't raced since finishing a disappointing seventh at the Kentucky Derby.

But the rest, not to mention the change to jockey John Velasquez, must have done wonders, because Union Rags won the 2012 Belmont Stakes on Saturday, and he did so in dramatic fashion.

Velasquez had Union Rags within range of Paynter for much of the race, but didn't have an opportunity to pass until the final stretch, when Paynter's jockey, Mike Smith, opened up just enough to give Union Rags room to surge past him at the end.

It was a triumphant moment for Union Rags, who was supposed to win the Kentucky Derby, and another heart-breaking moment for Bob Baffert, who saw his horses lose all three legs of the Triple Crown in the final stretch, beginning with Bodemeister in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes.

And while Triple Crown contender I'll Have Another had to withdraw from the race due to injury, Union Rags and Paynter gave us a thrilling finish to remember and made I'll Have Another's omission a little easier to bear.

Union Rags now owns two victories (he won the Fountain of Youth Stakes) and a third-place finish at the Florida Derby on the year. While he's no I'll Have Another, he has finally lived up to his high hopes, and owner Phyllis Wyeth has to be happy she re-purchased the horse in 2011.

This wraps up yet another spectacular Triple Crown run. And, while we were robbed of another Triple Crown winner, Union Rags made sure we would still have a thrilling finish on Saturday at Belmont Park.

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