ELMONT (New York), June 10: Rags to Riches became the first filly to win the Belmont Stakes in 102 years when she won a thrilling stretch duel with Preakness champion Curlin to triumph by a head on Saturday.

Rags to Riches, unbeaten in four races this year against fillies, proved herself against the colts as the 4-1 third pick in the $1 million race contested by a seven-horse field chasing the final jewel of this year's Triple Crown series.

She overcame a stumble out of the gate and made her move at the top of the stretch, going four wide to charge to victory with John Velazquez aboard and claim the $600,000 top prize in a time of 2:28.74.

Curlin, who went off as the even-money favourite, strode shoulder to shoulder with the filly but could not match her kick. Tiago finished third, 5 lengths back.

The stirring victory ended a Triple Crown drought for Velazquez and trainer Todd Pletcher.

Velazquez, who had been 0-for-10 riding in the Belmont Stakes, captured his first Triple Crown victory, as did Pletcher whose horses had been 0-for-28 in the series.

The horse's British owners, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith, were ecstatic.

“It's only the third time it's been done. It's a fantastic feat,” said Tabor.

Smith said the stretch run was pure excitement.

“Your heart's in your mouth,” he said. “We had a great jockey, a great trainer, and girl power won in the end.”

Rags to Riches, the first filly to win the race since Tanya in 1905, paid $10.60, $4.40, $3.20 for a $2 bet in the 139th running of the race.—Reuters