Belmont Stakes to Return to Saratoga for 2026 Edition

So announced New York State Governor Kathy Hochul, amid the ongoing renovations at Belmont Park

Sovereignty winning the 2025 Belmont Stakes at Saratoga / ADAM COGLIANESE / NYRA

SARATOGA SPRINGS, New York (Special for Turf Diario).- Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York, together with the New York Racing Association (NYRA), announced that the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival will return to the historic Saratoga Race Course in June 2026 for a third and final year, making way for the uninterrupted construction of the new Belmont Park.

“New York is home to world-class sports and entertainment, and this final edition of the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga honors our rich racing tradition while clearing the path for a bolder new Belmont Park,” Hochul said. “By bringing this race back to Saratoga next year, we are broadening interest in this iconic Triple Crown jewel and ensuring fans experience it in all its grandeur,” she added.

The announcement comes after the 2025 Belmont Stakes, highlighted by Sovereignty (Into Mischief) capturing the 157th running of the Grade 1 event with a $2 million purse, presented by NYRA Bets.

Renovations at Belmont Park are progressing as planned, with the new facility expected to reopen in September 2026. While NYRA initially considered holding the Belmont Stakes at a still-under-construction Belmont Park with limited attendance, it ultimately opted to return to Saratoga so the event can be held without restrictions caused by ongoing construction.

Dave O’Rourke, president and CEO of the New York Racing Association, said, “Saratoga has provided extraordinary service to our fans and stakeholders, acting as the temporary home of the Belmont Stakes while the new Belmont Park is built on Long Island. As we prepare for the reopening of the new Belmont Park in fall 2026, NYRA is pleased to bring the Belmont Stakes back to Saratoga for a third and final time next June. Belmont Park will always be the home of the Belmont Stakes, and we look forward to the return of this iconic race to its revamped facility in 2027.”

As previously announced, Belmont Park will also host the Breeders’ Cup in 2027, marking its return after 23 years.