Horse racing made its return Friday at the newly renovated Belmont Park after being absent for three years due to a $550 million modernization project that revitalized the historic venue. Enthusiastic fans packed the stands, cheering as a field of 10 horses took off just after 1:30 p.m. at the home of the Belmont Stakes, the third race of the Triple Crown series. The filly Lisa Joy, ridden by jockey Antonio Fresu, claimed victory in the first race held there since July 9, 2023.
Reflecting on the reopening, Fresu expressed his excitement about being part of Belmont Park’s new chapter. “They’re doing an incredible job; the track and facilities are outstanding,” he said. The redesigned venue features a sleek, futuristic white structure, a notable change from the traditional brick grandstand that had stood since 1968. New York Governor Kathy Hochul, during the ribbon-cutting event in the expanded paddock area, hailed the occasion as the dawn of a new era for racing in a state proud to host Belmont Park on the Queens and Long Island border alongside the historic Saratoga Race Course upstate.
“With this new Belmont Park, New York is stepping into a league of its own,” Hochul remarked. “The racing world’s attention is focused right here.” Currently, the first two floors are accessible to the public, with construction on the third, fourth, and fifth floors set to finish by spring. Those additional levels are slated to open in time for the Wood Memorial, a critical Kentucky Derby prep race held in early April.
New York Racing Association President and CEO David O’Rourke told The Associated Press, “The foundation is set; now it’s time to fully realize this vision.” The Belmont Stakes will resume at this venue on June 5, following a three-year run at Saratoga. Additionally, the prestigious Breeders’ Cup will return to New York in the fall for the first time since 2005.
“We built it, and they will come,” said Dora Delgado, Breeders’ Cup executive vice president and chief racing officer. She praised the new Belmont Park as fitting perfectly with the needs of high-profile racing events. Delgado compared the facility to the famed Ascot Racecourse in England and the former Arlington Park outside Chicago, calling it “state of the art” and “astonishing,” marking a first for New York racing.
Fresu noted the track is among the best turf courses he’s ever raced on. Hall of Fame Trainer Shug McGaughey, who won the first two races, emphasized the significance of the day by joining the post-race winner’s circle photo. “It’s a stunning facility, much more modern than the old Belmont,” McGaughey said.
Country singer Dierks Bentley joined the festivities with a live performance and shared that he was betting on Forever Young, the Japanese horse and reigning Breeders’ Cup Classic champion, in the headline Grade 1, $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup. O’Rourke praised his team’s hard work leading up to the event, adding, “We pulled off a big day, and I couldn’t be happier.”
Fan Take: This reopening is a thrilling milestone for horse racing enthusiasts, signaling a major investment into the sport’s future that honors its rich history while modernizing the experience. As Belmont Park returns to center stage, it promises to elevate New York racing’s profile and excitement, attracting top competitors and fans alike.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
