Breeders’ Cup Headed to Keeneland in 2026, Belmont Park to Host in 2027

The world’s most prestigious racing festival announced its next two venues, racetracks undergoing multimillion-dollar renovations aimed at delivering unique experiences

Keeneland will host the Breeders' Cup in 2026 / BREEDERS' CUP

The Breeders’ Cup, one of the most prestigious international festivals in the world of thoroughbred racing, officially announced that Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky, and Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, will host the 2026 and 2027 editions, respectively, of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. Both venues are undergoing significant infrastructure upgrades, reflecting their commitment to staying at the forefront of international turf racing.

This multi-year announcement highlights the Breeders’ Cup’s ongoing dedication to promoting horseracing and investing in its future. Since its inception in 1984, the nonprofit organization has returned over $1 billion to the industry in prize money, bonuses, and donations, hosting its world championship at twelve elite tracks across the United States.

“The Breeders’ Cup, Keeneland, and Belmont Park share core values such as excellence and commitment to thoroughbred racing, and there is no better way to showcase that alliance than by staging the championship at these iconic venues in 2026 and 2027,” said Drew Fleming, President and CEO of Breeders’ Cup Limited.

“Fueled by their recent infrastructure improvements, both tracks—each with its own legacy—will provide the ideal setting for our two-day festival celebrating the pinnacle of horseracing and everything the equestrian lifestyle represents.”

Keeneland is in the midst of the largest investment project in its history: more than $100 million dedicated to enhancing the experience for fans, jockeys, and professionals alike. The centerpiece is a new three-level Paddock Building that will run the length of the traditional Walking Ring and is set to open this fall. It will offer exclusive experiences for over 1,000 fans, including dining areas, bars, and a Paddock Lawn with unique views. Additionally, new jockey quarters will allow attendees to observe riders up close during their pre- and post-race routines.

“Keeneland is honored to once again host the Breeders’ Cup in 2026, and we are excited to share this global celebration with fans worldwide and the Lexington community,” said Shannon Arvin, President and CEO of Keeneland. “We look forward to welcoming guests to our new facilities and holding the third edition of the Championship Sale on the Wednesday before the event—an excellent way to kick off the week.”

This will mark Keeneland’s fourth time hosting the Breeders’ Cup, having previously done so in 2015, 2020, and 2022. The 2026 event is scheduled for October 30-31, pending official approval.

Meanwhile, the Breeders’ Cup’s return to Belmont Park—its first since 2005—is made possible by an ambitious reconstruction project led by the State of New York and the New York Racing Association (NYRA), with an estimated $455 million investment. Renovations include a new five-story, 300,000-square-foot structure featuring all modern amenities and the reopening of the vast infield as a green space for the public.

NYRA is also undertaking a complete overhaul of the existing tracks, including the dirt oval, two turf courses, and the addition of a synthetic track.

“The new Belmont Park is a reality thanks to the leadership and vision of Governor Kathy Hochul, whose support for racing and understanding of its positive economic impact were key to bringing the Breeders’ Cup back to New York,” said David O’Rourke, President and CEO of NYRA. “New York fans and participants have long awaited this moment, and we thank the Breeders’ Cup for making it possible.”

Belmont will host the world championship for the fifth time, having done so previously in 1990, 1995, 2001, and 2005. The 2027 edition is scheduled for October 29-30, also subject to state approval.

With these announcements, the Breeders’ Cup reaffirms its ties to the most emblematic North American racing venues and continues to invest strongly in the future of the sport.