Palin's other First Dude

In Alaska, Sarah Palin can often be seen cheering on her champion snowmobile racer husband, Todd Palin, but on Saturday, the former Governor was cheering on a different First Dude.

Sarah Palin made a surprise appearance at the Belmont Stakes, the third leg of the Triple Crown to place her bet on a horse named First Dude.

"Of course, we love the name of the horse," Palin exclaimed. "And we're excited First Dude's gonna get a chance to race."

First Dude, out of the mare Run Sarah Run, is named for Palin's husband Todd, who was nicknamed First Dude while Sarah Palin was Governor.

Palin was the guest of Marylou Whitney and her husband John Hendrickson, who also used to be in politics in Alaska.

"We're excited to be here," said Sarah Palin, who was decked out in navy capri pants, a white T-shirt and black cap. The New York Daily News reported that the Palins swept into the raceway about 4 p.m., hours later than planned.The couple's limo driver got lost during the ride from Kennedy Airport, leaving them with no time to stop off at their hotel to change.

“We were a couple hours late (coming from Texas)," said Palin, "but everyone has been so hospitable and accepting of the garb.”

So what did the Palins wager on First Dude?

“A big bet for us would not be much,” she said with a laugh.

More than 45,000 people filled Belmont Park along with the Palins, who watched Drosselmeyer pull off a stunning victory, surging past First Dude and runner-up Fly Down in the home stretch.

Learn more about First Dude at Horse Racing Nation.

Read more articles by the National Sarah Palin Examiner at Examiner.com