The Belmont Stakes, the ultimate occasion within the annual horse racing Triple Crown, will likely be returning to Saratoga for a 3rd straight yr in 2026 as development of a brand new Belmont Park continues on Lengthy Island, the governor’s workplace and New York Horse Racing Affiliation introduced Friday.
The NHRA and Gov. Kathy Hochul mentioned 2026 would be the closing yr the Belmont Stakes is in Saratoga Springs earlier than returning again to its dwelling in Elmont.
“New York is home to world class sports and entertainment and this final chapter of the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Race Course honors our rich racing heritage while paving the way for a bold, new future at Belmont Park,” Hochul mentioned in a press release. “Bringing the race back to Saratoga next year will once again expand the audience for this storied leg of the Triple Crown and ensure fans continue to enjoy the full experience.”
An possibility had existed to return to Belmont Park subsequent yr in {a partially} accomplished facility and with restricted followers, however organizers didn’t wish to impede the development, officers mentioned.
— Belmont Stakes (@BelmontStakes) June 13, 2025
“Saratoga has served our fans and stakeholders extremely well as the temporary home of the Belmont Stakes during the construction of a new Belmont Park on Long Island,” said New York Racing Association President and CEO Dave O’Rourke in a press release. “As we prepare for the opening of the new Belmont Park in the fall of 2026, NYRA is pleased to bring the Belmont Stakes to Saratoga for a third and final time next June. Belmont Park will always be the home of the Belmont Stakes and we look forward to its return to the newly reimagined Belmont in 2027.”
The 2026 Belmont Stakes will likely be held Saturday, June 6 and be contested at 1.25 miles.
The up to date Belmont Park will now open in September 2026.
