The Belmont Stakes will once again be held at the Saratoga Race Course in upstate New York in 2026, marking the third year in a row for the event at this location. Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York Racing Association (NYRA) announced on Friday that the Triple Crown finale will take place at Saratoga before moving back to Belmont Park on Long Island in 2027.
David O’Rourke, NYRA’s president and CEO, stated that Saratoga has been a great temporary venue for the Belmont Stakes while Belmont Park undergoes a major reconstruction. He added that Belmont Park has always been the traditional home for the race, and they look forward to its return in a newly renovated form in 2027.
This announcement confirms the anticipated extension of the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga during Belmont Park’s nearly $5 billion renovation, which is scheduled to be completed by September 2027. Additionally, the Breeders’ Cup is set to return to Belmont Park in the fall of 2027. For the past two years, the Belmont Stakes distance has been shortened to 1 1/4 miles from the traditional 1 1/2 miles due to the condition of the main dirt track at Saratoga.
Fan Take: This update is significant for horse racing enthusiasts because it keeps the prestigious Belmont Stakes accessible at Saratoga, a historic and beloved venue, while ensuring Belmont Park’s modernization enhances the sport’s future. The changes and renovations promise to elevate the racing experience for fans and participants alike, maintaining the Belmont’s status as a premier event in the Triple Crown series.
