The Breeders’ Cup World Championships are returning to New York at Belmont Park, which underwent a complete rebuild in 2027. New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that in the fall, Edge tracks in Queens and Nassau County on Long Island will host an event two years later, alongside officials from the Breeders’ Cup and the New York Racing Association (NYRA).
Drew Fleming, president and CEO of Breeders Cup Limited, shared in an interview with the Associated Press that he had written to the New York governor in 2023 saying, “If you build it, we’ll come.” He expressed honor in fulfilling that promise by bringing the 2027 Breeders’ Cup World Championship to Belmont Park. Lexington’s Keeneland was revealed as the host for 2026.
Belmont Park was the venue for the Breeders’ Cup in 1990, 1995, and 2001, marking the final home for the fourth Breeders’ Cup. The extensive $455 million reconstruction aimed to attract major events. David O’Rourke, NYRA president and CEO, told the Associated Press that bringing the championship back to New York was a significant milestone, providing trainers and jockeys the chance to compete on their home turf for the first time in over 20 years.
Governor Hochul highlighted that the redevelopment has generated thousands of jobs and $1 billion in long-term economic impact for Long Island. She emphasized that the investment in Belmont Park would soon make the dream of hosting the prestigious Breeders’ Cup in New York a reality.
Since 2008, the Breeders’ Cup has been held mainly in Kentucky or California, with Del Mar hosting this year for the fourth time since 2017. Traditional venues like Santa Anita, Keeneland, and Churchill Downs have become regular hosts for the two-day championship featuring the world’s best thoroughbreds. The event’s return to the Eastern Time Zone for the next two years aligns with the Breeders’ Cup’s goal to expand the sport by rotating locations across the U.S.
While NYRA has not yet confirmed the 2026 Belmont Stakes location, the race is expected to return to Belmont Park by 2027 after several years at Saratoga Race Course during renovations. As Belmont Park resumes its annual events, fans anticipate witnessing legendary thoroughbreds racing to the finish line in an electrifying atmosphere.
Drew Fleming remarked on the unique appeal of hosting the Breeders’ Cup in New York, noting the city’s exceptional accommodations, dining, and entertainment options — making Belmont Park an ideal location.
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Fan Take: Bringing the Breeders’ Cup back to Belmont Park is huge for horse racing fans, as it reconnects the sport with one of its historic venues while injecting fresh economic energy into the region. This move not only honors tradition but also promises to elevate the sport’s profile by showcasing world-class racing in a vibrant metropolitan setting.
