What's happened
New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the Belmont Stakes will remain at Saratoga Race Course for 2026, marking the third consecutive year away from Belmont Park due to renovations. The race will be run at a mile and a quarter instead of its traditional mile and a half distance. Belmont Park is set to reopen in September 2026.
What's behind the headline?
Key Insights
- Renovation Delays: The ongoing renovations at Belmont Park have necessitated the Belmont Stakes' relocation, highlighting the challenges of maintaining historical sporting events during infrastructure upgrades.
- Impact on Racing Heritage: Hosting the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga honors New York's rich racing tradition while paving the way for future enhancements at Belmont Park.
- Audience Expansion: By keeping the race at Saratoga, officials aim to broaden the audience and enhance the overall experience for fans, which is crucial for the sport's growth.
- Future of Belmont Park: The reopening of Belmont Park in 2026 will coincide with the return of major events like the Breeders' Cup, indicating a strategic plan to revitalize horse racing in New York.
This decision reflects a commitment to preserving the integrity of the Belmont Stakes while ensuring that the renovations at Belmont Park are completed without disruption.
What the papers say
According to AP News, Governor Kathy Hochul confirmed that the Belmont Stakes will be held at Saratoga for the third consecutive year, stating, "Saratoga has served our fans and stakeholders extremely well as the temporary home of the Belmont Stakes." The NY Post echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the race will take place on June 6, 2026, at a mile and a quarter due to track configurations. The Post also noted that the original plan for Belmont Park's reopening has been pushed back to September 2026, which is crucial for the uninterrupted construction of the new facility. This shift has been met with support from racing officials, who see it as an opportunity to honor the sport's heritage while preparing for a new era at Belmont Park.
How we got here
The Belmont Stakes has been temporarily hosted at Saratoga Race Course since 2024 due to a $455 million renovation project at Belmont Park. Originally expected to reopen in 2025, the timeline has now shifted to September 2026, prompting the extension of the Belmont's stay at Saratoga.
Go deeper
- What are the reasons for the Belmont Park renovations?
- How has Saratoga benefited from hosting the Belmont Stakes?
- What are the implications for horse racing in New York?
Common question
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Why is the Belmont Stakes Being Held at Saratoga in 2026?
The Belmont Stakes, a prestigious horse racing event, is set to take place at Saratoga Race Course for the third consecutive year in 2026. This decision raises several questions about the race's format, the impact on the horse racing calendar, and the ongoing renovations at Belmont Park. Here’s what you need to know.
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New York is a state in the Northeastern United States. New York was one of the original thirteen colonies that formed the United States. With more than 19 million residents in 2019, it is the fourth-most-populous state.
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Saratoga Springs is a city in Saratoga County, New York, United States. The population was 26,586 at the 2010 census. The name reflects the presence of mineral springs in the area, which has made Saratoga a popular resort destination for over 200 years.
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Kathleen Courtney Hochul ( HOH-kəl; née Courtney; born August 27, 1958) is an American politician and lawyer who has served since 2021 as the 57th governor of New York. A member of the Democratic Party, she is New York's first female governor.
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