The New York Racing Association (NYRA) has officially announced its 2026 racing schedule, marking a pivotal transition year for Thoroughbred racing in New York. The schedule confirms that Saratoga Race Course will host the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival for a third and final time, as construction at the new Belmont Park nears completion.
The announcement underscores a moment where tradition, innovation, and infrastructure development converge—setting the stage for what NYRA describes as a true “new era” in New York racing.
Saratoga’s Expanded Role in 2026
In 2026, Saratoga Race Course will operate under an expanded calendar, hosting 51 days of live racing. This includes the five-day Belmont Stakes Racing Festival in early June, followed by a 46-day Saratoga Summer Meet that runs from early July through Labor Day.
Saratoga’s role during this transition period has been historic. Often referred to as “The Spa,” the venue has successfully hosted one of the most prestigious events in American racing while maintaining its identity as the crown jewel of summer Thoroughbred competition. The 2026 season represents the culmination of this unique chapter.
Final Belmont Stakes at Saratoga
The centerpiece of the festival will be the 158th running of the Belmont Stakes, scheduled for Saturday, June 6, 2026. This will be the third and final time the Belmont Stakes is contested at Saratoga during Belmont Park’s reconstruction.
While traditionally known as the “Test of the Champion” at 1½ miles, the Belmont Stakes has been contested at 1¼ miles during its Saratoga editions due to track configuration. The shorter distance has delivered faster-paced races while preserving the prestige and competitive depth of the event.
For fans, horsemen, and industry professionals, the final Saratoga-hosted Belmont represents both a celebration and a farewell—an opportunity to experience one of racing’s greatest events in an iconic yet temporary setting.
Why the Move Happened
The temporary relocation of the Belmont Stakes was driven by the full-scale redevelopment of Belmont Park, one of the most ambitious racing infrastructure projects in North America. The project includes a modern grandstand, upgraded racing surfaces, enhanced hospitality areas, and year-round facilities designed to secure New York’s position as a global racing hub.
Rather than suspend or relocate the race out of state, NYRA chose Saratoga as the only venue capable of hosting an event of this magnitude while maintaining its Grade 1 stature and international appeal.
What Happens After 2026
Following the conclusion of the Saratoga summer meet in 2026, attention will shift back to Long Island. The new Belmont Park is scheduled to reopen in September 2026, ushering in a new chapter for New York racing.
Beginning in 2027, the Belmont Stakes will return to its historic home, along with other marquee racing festivals traditionally associated with Belmont Park. Saratoga, in turn, will return to its classic 40-day summer meet, restoring the familiar rhythm that generations of racing fans know well.
The reopening of Belmont Park also positions New York to host major international racing events in the years ahead, reinforcing the state’s long-term commitment to elite Thoroughbred competition.
Statewide Racing in 2026
Beyond Saratoga, NYRA’s 2026 schedule includes live racing across its full portfolio. Aqueduct Racetrack will continue to host winter and spring racing, with live dates running into late June before operations transition to Belmont Park’s reopening.
Altogether, the 2026 calendar features 196 live racing days, ensuring consistent opportunities for owners, trainers, jockeys, breeders, and fans throughout the year. The schedule reflects a carefully managed balance between maintaining tradition and navigating a once-in-a-generation infrastructure transformation.
Economic and Community Impact
Saratoga’s extended role has had a substantial economic impact on the surrounding region. The Belmont Stakes Racing Festival has drawn national attention, increased tourism, and boosted local businesses, from hotels and restaurants to retail and cultural venues.
For the racing community, the festival has also created a unique environment where elite competition meets a relaxed, fan-friendly atmosphere—an experience that has broadened the sport’s appeal and attracted new audiences.
Looking Ahead
As New York racing prepares for 2026, anticipation is building across the industry. The final Belmont Stakes at Saratoga represents the closing chapter of a rare and historic experiment, while the reopening of Belmont Park signals the beginning of a modernized future.
For fans of Thoroughbred racing, 2026 offers something truly special: a farewell to a memorable Saratoga era and a glimpse into the next generation of racing at Belmont Park. It is a season defined not just by races, but by renewal, resilience, and progress—hallmarks of a sport that continues to evolve while honoring its past.
