The Belmont Stakes, known as the “Test of the Champion,” is the final jewel in horse racing’s Triple Crown, following the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. Since its inception in 1867, it has been a cornerstone of American horse racing, traditionally hosted at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. However, a massive renovation project has temporarily displaced this iconic race, leading fans to wonder when it will return to its historic home and whether it will remain at Saratoga Race Course in 2026. This article explores the reasons behind the move, the current status of the renovations, and the likely timeline for the Belmont Stakes’ return to Belmont Park.
Background: The Move to Saratoga
In December 2023, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced a $455 million renovation plan for Belmont Park, aimed at modernizing the facility to enhance the experience for fans, horses, and jockeys (Wikipedia 2024 Belmont Stakes). The project includes a new grandstand, renovated dirt and turf tracks, and the addition of an all-weather synthetic surface, positioning Belmont Park as a state-of-the-art racing venue. Due to this construction, the Belmont Stakes was relocated to Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York, for the 2024 and 2025 races.
Saratoga, a historic track with a passionate racing community, has embraced the Belmont Stakes, hosting the 156th running on June 8, 2024, and the 157th on June 7, 2025 (NYRA Official Website). And I’m not gonna like, I liked the move. The race at Saratoga is run at a shorter distance of 1 1/4 miles, compared to the traditional 1 1/2 miles at Belmont Park, due to the smaller main track (Saratoga Race Course). This temporary move has been well-received, with fans praising the vibrant atmosphere at Saratoga, as noted in a review on Ticketmaster. Although I know we can’t leave the big city, personally Saratoga deserves a bigger spotlight like a triple crown.
Renovation Timeline and Its Impact
The renovation of Belmont Park is a significant undertaking, with construction expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2026, specifically by September 2026 (New Belmont Park). Live racing is scheduled to resume at Belmont Park in the fall of 2026, likely in September or October. This timeline poses a challenge for the Belmont Stakes, which is traditionally held in early June. Since the construction will not be complete by June 2026, hosting the race at Belmont Park in 2026 appears unlikely without special arrangements.
During the renovation period, other racing events at Belmont Park have been shifted to Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens, New York, while the Belmont Stakes has been held at Saratoga to allow uninterrupted construction (New Belmont Park). The last time the Belmont Stakes was held outside Belmont Park was from 1963 to 1967 at Aqueduct, also due to renovations (Wikipedia 2025 Belmont Stakes).
Will the Belmont Stakes Be in Saratoga in 2026?
As of June 12, 2025, the New York Racing Association (NYRA) has not officially announced the location for the 2026 Belmont Stakes, expected to take place on June 6, 2026. However, multiple sources indicate that Saratoga Race Course is the likely venue for a third consecutive year. A Times Union article published on May 31, 2025, reported that Saratoga is the probable site, citing the construction timeline. Similarly, a NewsChannel 13 report from May 29, 2025, stated that sources confirm the race’s return to Saratoga in 2026.
An X post by @paulickreport on June 4, 2025, also noted that the 2026 Belmont Stakes could be held at Saratoga for a “third and final year” before returning to Belmont Park (Paulick Report). Additionally, a CBS6 Albany interview with NYRA CEO David O’Rourke on June 6, 2025, mentioned that while the location is not finalized, NYRA is considering hosting the race at Belmont Park under construction. However, given the September 2026 completion date, most reports lean toward Saratoga as the more feasible option.
| Year | Location | Date | Notes |
| 2024 | Saratoga Race Course | June 8 | Moved due to Belmont Park renovations; 1 1/4 miles |
| 2025 | Saratoga Race Course | June 7 | Second year at Saratoga; $2 million purse |
| 2026 | Likely Saratoga Race Course | June 6 (expected) | Pending official announcement; construction ongoing |
| 2027 | Expected Belmont Park | June (TBD) | Post-renovation return |
Expected Return to Belmont Park
The Belmont Stakes is anticipated to return to Belmont Park in 2027, marking the 159th running of the race. By then, the renovated Belmont Park will be fully operational, with live racing resuming in the fall of 2026 (New Belmont Park). The return of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships to Belmont Park in 2027 further confirms that the venue will be ready to host major events by that time. The 2027 Belmont Stakes will likely restore the traditional 1 1/2-mile distance, offering fans the classic experience at the revamped facility.
Community and Industry Perspectives
The temporary move to Saratoga has been met with enthusiasm from fans and local businesses. An X post by @EliseStefanik on June 4, 2025, highlighted the pride in hosting the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga, welcoming visitors to the region (Elise Stefanik). However, some fans have expressed a preference for the traditional Belmont Park setting, citing its historical significance and larger track size, as seen in an X post by @dilanesper on June 7, 2025 (Dilanesper).
From an industry perspective, the move to Saratoga has been a logistical success, with the 2024 and 2025 races drawing significant crowds and media attention (WKTV). The NYRA’s efforts to maintain the race’s prestige while navigating construction challenges have been praised, though the uncertainty around 2026 has sparked speculation, as noted in a Kentucky.com article.
The Belmont Stakes is expected to return to its historic home at Belmont Park in 2027, following the completion of a $455 million renovation project by September 2026. For 2026, while the NYRA has not made an official announcement, it seems likely that the race will be held at Saratoga Race Course for a third year due to the ongoing construction. Fans can anticipate an official decision in the coming weeks, but the current consensus points to Saratoga hosting the 158th Belmont Stakes on June 6, 2026. The return to Belmont Park in 2027 will mark a new chapter for this iconic race, blending tradition with modern innovation at the reimagined venue.
