Union Rags wins the Belmont Stakes

Union Rags won the 144th Belmont Stakes today by the closest of margins.

According to the Associated Press, Union Rags caught front-runner Paynter at the finish line.

Union Rags, trained by Michael Matz, won the race by less than half a length, the Baltimore Sun reported.

Bloomberg said Union Rags was the co-favorite after Triple Crown contender I’ll Have Another was scratched from the race on Friday due to a developing leg injury.

More from GlobalPost: Triple Crown: I'll Have Another going for history

Union Rags, ridden by John Velazquez, paid $7.50 to win, $4.20 to place and $3.40 to show, the Baltimore Sun said. Paynter, ridden by Mike Smith, paid $5.10 and $3.90.

Bloomberg said Union Rags finished a disappointing seventh in the Kentucky Derby on May 5 and skipped the Preakness.

"I don't have words to describe it," Velazquez was quoted by USA Today as saying after the race. "For (trainer Michael Matz) to finally rise up to the top again, I'm very, very happy.

"I've got to give it to the horse."