If you’re looking for the Belmont horse race location this year, don’t head to Long Island. Seriously. You’ll find yourself staring at a very expensive construction site in Elmont while the actual party is happening about 200 miles north.
For the third—and final—time in a row, the 2026 Belmont Stakes is heading to Saratoga Race Course.
It’s kinda wild when you think about it. The "Test of the Champion" is famous for its massive 1.5-mile "Big Sandy" track in Queens/Nassau, yet the most iconic race in New York is currently a houseguest in Saratoga Springs. Most people assume the race is always at Belmont Park because, well, it’s in the name. But 2026 is a weird, transitional year for horse racing.
Why the "Belmont" Isn't at Belmont
The New York Racing Association (NYRA) is currently middle-deep in a $455 million redevelopment of the actual Belmont Park. They basically took a sledgehammer to the old, cavernous grandstand that sat there since 1968.
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The goal? A state-of-the-art, winterized facility that doesn't feel like a drafty warehouse when it's not Triple Crown season.
Governor Kathy Hochul and NYRA officials confirmed that the 2026 race would stay at Saratoga to let the construction crews work without having to hide their tools every time a horse walks by. If they had tried to squeeze the 2026 race into the construction zone, it would’ve been a logistical nightmare with limited seating and half-finished plumbing. Nobody wants that for a Grade I stakes race.
The 2026 Location Details You Need
Honestly, Saratoga is a vibe, but it changes the race entirely. Here is what's actually happening on Saturday, June 6, 2026:
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- Venue: Saratoga Race Course (267 Union Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866).
- The Big Change: The race distance. Because Saratoga’s main dirt track is smaller than Belmont’s, they literally cannot run the traditional 1.5 miles. To do that, the starting gate would have to be positioned on a turn, which is a massive safety "no."
- The New Distance: It’s being run at 1 1/4 miles (10 furlongs).
- Wait, is that a big deal? Yeah, it's huge. The Belmont is famous for being the longest of the Triple Crown races. At 1 1/4 miles, it's the exact same distance as the Kentucky Derby. It loses that "marathon" feel that usually breaks the hearts of speed-only horses.
Tickets for the 2026 festival go on sale in early 2026, though the high-end VIP packages usually leak out sooner. If you’re planning to go, book your hotel in Saratoga Springs yesterday. The town basically doubles its population that weekend, and prices for a basic room can jump to $800 a night.
A Quick History of Moving Around
This isn't actually the first time the Belmont horse race location has shifted. It’s a bit of a nomad.
The race started in 1867 at Jerome Park in the Bronx. Then it moved to Morris Park in 1890. It didn't even arrive at Belmont Park until 1905.
Even then, it had to pack its bags once before. From 1963 to 1967, the race was held at Aqueduct Racetrack (the "Big A") while the grandstand was being rebuilt. Saratoga, however, is the first time the race has left the New York City metro area entirely.
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What Happens After 2026?
The 2026 season is the grand finale for Saratoga's stint as the host.
The "New Belmont" is scheduled for a soft opening in September 2026. NYRA expects the first two floors of the brand-new, 250,000-square-foot grandstand to be ready for the fall meet.
But the "real" homecoming—the one everyone is waiting for—is the 2027 Belmont Stakes. That’s when the race returns to its 1.5-mile distance and its rightful home in Elmont. They’ve already secured the 2027 Breeders’ Cup for the new track, too, so they’re clearly planning on making a splash.
Actionable Tips for Your 2026 Visit
If you're heading to the race this year, keep these realities in mind:
- Dress for the Spa, not the City: Saratoga is "The Summer Place to Be." While the Belmont is a Triple Crown event, Saratoga has a more lawn-party, historic feel. Think linen and sundresses rather than heavy formal wear.
- Transportation Hack: Don't try to park at the track on race day unless you have a pre-paid pass. Use the shuttle services from downtown Saratoga or even the Amtrak station.
- The Backyard is Key: Unlike the old Belmont, which was mostly concrete, Saratoga’s "Backyard" is iconic. You can bring a cooler (check the size limits!) and a folding chair to claim a spot under the elms.
- Watch the Distance: If you’re betting, remember the 1 1/4 mile distance. Horses that thrive at the Derby distance have a better shot here than the traditional "stayers" who usually win a 1 1/2 mile Belmont.
Basically, 2026 is your last chance to see the Belmont Stakes in a setting that feels more like a 19th-century village than a modern sports arena. After this, it’s back to the future at the new Long Island campus. Enjoy the Saratoga charm while it lasts.