If you’re searching for the 2026 Horse Racing Schedule Belmont Park has to offer, you’re in for a historic year of transition and excitement. The iconic Long Island racetrack is undergoing a massive transformation, leading to a temporary but thrilling schedule split between two other legendary New York venues: Aqueduct Racetrack and Saratoga Race Course. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this unique arrangement before the grand reopening of the new-and-improved Belmont Park in the fall.
For decades, Belmont has been a cornerstone of the sport, a place where legends are made. Understanding its temporary schedule is key to following the action in 2026. This period of change is complex, not unlike the career of a master like chad brown horse trainer website, who navigates many variables to achieve success.
The Final “Belmont at the Big A” Spring Meet
During the reconstruction, Aqueduct Racetrack (affectionately known as “the Big A”) has been hosting the racing meets typically held at Belmont Park. The spring and summer of 2026 will mark the final “Belmont at the Big A” meet before all downstate racing consolidates at the new Belmont Park.
This meet is far from a simple placeholder; it’s a showcase of top-tier talent featuring a full slate of important stakes races. These races serve as crucial prep events and prestigious titles in their own right. Expect to see seasoned veterans and rising stars compete in key events, including:
- The Man o’ War Stakes (G2T): A premier turf race for older horses that tests stamina over a long distance.
- The Peter Pan Stakes (G3): Traditionally seen as the local prep race for the Belmont Stakes, this event draws some of the best three-year-olds in the country.
- The Ruffian Stakes (G2): A significant race for older fillies and mares, showcasing speed and class.
- The Fort Marcy Stakes (G2T): Another major turf contest that attracts elite competitors.
While the venue is different, the quality of racing is pure New York. This final meet at Aqueduct will be a sentimental farewell to the track that has carried the torch while Belmont was being reimagined.
A thoroughbred horse rounds the final turn at Saratoga, the temporary home for the Belmont Stakes during the horse racing schedule Belmont transition.
The Main Event: 2026 Belmont Stakes at Saratoga
For the final time, the crown jewel of the Belmont schedule—The Belmont Stakes—will be held at the historic Saratoga Race Course. Mark your calendars for the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, running from Wednesday, June 3, through Sunday, June 7, 2026. The 158th running of the Belmont Stakes itself will take place on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
Hosting the third leg of the Triple Crown at the Spa is a monumental event. Saratoga, one of America’s oldest and most beloved sporting venues, provides a unique and electric atmosphere for the “Test of the Champion.” While the race will be run at a slightly shorter distance of 1 1/4 miles to accommodate Saratoga’s track configuration, the challenge and prestige remain immense. This festival is a multi-day spectacle, featuring more than a dozen stakes races and drawing the best horses, jockeys, and trainers in the world. Legendary trainers, like the iconic carlos f martin horse trainer, have built their careers on winning at tracks like Saratoga.
A New Era: The New Belmont Park Opens Fall 2026
The moment the entire racing world is waiting for will arrive in the fall. The brand-new, completely reimagined Belmont Park is scheduled to hold its grand reopening on Friday, September 18, 2026. This marks the beginning of a new chapter for horse racing in New York.
The $450 million project is more than just a renovation. It’s a top-to-bottom reconstruction designed for the modern fan. The old, sprawling grandstand has been replaced with a state-of-the-art, more intimate facility that offers superior sightlines and amenities. Key features of the new Belmont Park include:
- A smaller, more efficient 250,000-square-foot grandstand and clubhouse.
- Year-round operational capabilities for racing and events.
- Increased green space and public access to the infield for the first time.
- Modernized barns and backstretch facilities for the equine athletes.
This grand reopening will also signal the closure of Aqueduct Racetrack, consolidating all of NYRA’s downstate racing and training activities at this single, world-class venue. The fall racing meet will be a celebration, welcoming fans back to “Big Sandy” and setting the stage for decades of future champions. Keeping track of key dates is essential, much like following the official horse racing dates 2025 is for any serious fan.
An architectural rendering of the new Belmont Park, a key part of the future horse racing schedule Belmont fans are awaiting.
How to Follow the Belmont Racing Action
Whether you’re planning a trip or watching from home, it’s easy to keep up with the action. The New York Racing Association (NYRA) provides comprehensive coverage of all its meets. You can watch live races, view replays, and access expert analysis through their official broadcast partners and the NYRA Bets app. The app is the best tool for at-home wagering, offering a secure platform to play the races from almost anywhere. Be sure to check daily schedules for post times, as they can vary, especially on major stakes days.
What Makes Belmont Park Racing Unique?
Even with the temporary changes, the spirit of Belmont racing endures. The main dirt track is famous for its massive circumference and deep, sandy surface, earning it the nickname “Big Sandy.” At 1 1/2 miles, it’s the largest dirt course in North America. This demanding track is where Triple Crown dreams are either realized or shattered. Its long, sweeping turns and grueling homestretch require a unique combination of speed, stamina, and heart, which is why it’s known as the “Test of the Champion.” It’s a stage fit for greats of the sport, including trailblazers like mary hirsch horse trainer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the 2026 Belmont Stakes?
The 158th running of the Belmont Stakes will be on Saturday, June 6, 2026. It will be held at Saratoga Race Course as the highlight of a five-day racing festival running from June 3 to June 7.
Is Belmont Park open for racing in Spring 2026?
No, the main Belmont Park facility will still be under construction in the spring of 2026. The traditional spring/summer racing meet will be held at Aqueduct Racetrack and is known as the “Belmont at the Big A” meet.
Where are the Belmont Park races being held?
Until its reopening, the regular Belmont Park races are being held at Aqueduct Racetrack. The premier event, the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, is being held at Saratoga Race Course for 2025 and 2026.
When will the new Belmont Park open?
The new, reimagined Belmont Park is scheduled for a grand reopening on Friday, September 18, 2026, just in time for its traditional fall championship meet.
What is the “Belmont at the Big A”?
“Belmont at the Big A” is the official name for the racing meets that are traditionally held at Belmont Park but are temporarily being run at Aqueduct Racetrack (“the Big A”) during the reconstruction of the new Belmont Park.
The Future is Bright for New York Racing
The 2026 horse racing schedule for Belmont is one of the most significant in recent memory. It represents the end of a transitional era and the dawn of a new one. From the final “Belmont at the Big A” meet to a historic Belmont Stakes at Saratoga, the year is packed with can’t-miss action. But all eyes are truly on the fall, when the gates open at a modern marvel of a racetrack, ensuring Belmont Park remains the premier stage for championship thoroughbred racing for generations to come.
