The New York Racing Association (NYRA) and Woodbine Entertainment Group have announced an exciting new partnership called the Empire Trillium Series — a 14-race stakes program designed to support horses bred in New York or Canada. The total prize money for the series will be $3.2 million.
This new series aims to create more opportunities for owners and breeders on both sides of the border while boosting interest in winter racing at the newly renovated Belmont Park.
Winter Racing at the New Belmont Park
The series will begin at the reimagined Belmont Park in December 2026. Eight races will be held there between December 2026 and February 2027 on the track’s new 1-mile Tapeta all-weather surface, which will be used exclusively for winter racing.
Belmont Park is reopening on September 18, 2026, after a major redevelopment project. The upgrades include a modern grandstand, premium hospitality areas, and four new tracks: a dirt main track, two turf courses, and the new Tapeta oval.
Expansion to Woodbine in 2027
After the Belmont portion, the series will move to Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto, Canada.
Six additional stakes races will be held there from April to July 2027. These will include races on Tapeta surfaces as well as turf, offering opportunities for both sprinters and route horses.
Major Highlight Races
The standout events at Belmont Park will include the $300,000 Long Island Derby and Oaks, scheduled for late January 2027. These races will be key features of the series.
Several other races will offer $200,000 purses, including sprint and distance events for both male and female horses.
At Woodbine, the series will feature high-profile $300,000 races on the famous E.P. Taylor Turf Course, making the Canadian leg of the competition equally prestigious.
Strengthening Regional Breeding Programs
Industry leaders say the Empire Trillium Series will strengthen breeding programs in both New York and Canada.
Representatives from NYRA and Woodbine expressed excitement about creating new competitive opportunities while encouraging investment in regional racing programs.
Enrollment Now Open
Horse owners can now enroll their horses in the series:
- $600 lifetime enrollment for the 2026 two-year-old crop (due June 19, 2026)
- $350 enrollment for older horses competing in the Woodbine races (due November 20, 2026)
- Optional supplements: $2,500 for a single race or $7,500 for the full series
