If you’re looking for the Belmont Stakes 2025 start time, you probably already know that things aren't exactly "business as usual" this year. For the second year running, the "Test of the Champion" has packed its bags and headed upstate. Belmont Park is still a construction zone—a $455 million one, to be exact—so the 157th running of this iconic race is back at Saratoga Race Course.
Honestly, it’s a vibe. Saratoga has this old-school energy that just hits different than the massive, cavernous feel of the traditional Belmont track. But because Saratoga is a smaller track (1.125 miles instead of the 1.5-mile "Big Sandy"), the race itself is shorter. We're looking at 1.25 miles this year.
The Official Belmont Stakes 2025 Start Time
Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 7, 2025. If you’re just here for the main event, the Belmont Stakes 2025 start time is set for 7:04 p.m. ET.
Don't wait until 7:00 to flip the TV on, though. Between the singing of "New York, New York"—which Tremonti’s band is handling this year with a full orchestral set—and the nervous energy of the horses entering the gate, you’ll want a little cushion. Fox Sports is handling the broadcast, and they usually start their "heavy" coverage around 4:00 p.m. ET.
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Where to Watch the 157th Running
- Television: FOX is the big player here. They’ve got the rights through 2030, so get used to the Fox crew.
- Early Undercards: If you're a real degenerate (or just love the sport), racing starts as early as 10:30 a.m. ET on FS1.
- Streaming: The FOX Sports app and FOXSports.com are your best bets if you’re stuck on a train or at a wedding.
Why the Timing Actually Matters
Horse racing is a game of minutes. If a horse gets "hot" in the paddock because the TV schedule is running behind, it can ruin their race before they even hit the dirt. This year, the field is headlined by the Kentucky Derby winner, Sovereignty, and the Preakness champ, Journalism.
Wait, didn't Sovereignty skip the Preakness? Yeah, he did. So we don't have a Triple Crown on the line. It's a bummer, I know. But the rivalry between these two—especially with Sovereignty coming in as the 2-1 morning line favorite—is basically the best-case scenario for a "non-Triple Crown" year.
The purse is also beefed up. We're talking $2 million total, with $1.2 million going straight to the winner's pocket.
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The Saratoga Difference
You’ve gotta realize that Saratoga is a "tight" track compared to Belmont. At the usual 1.5-mile distance at Belmont Park, horses have a massive sweeping turn to make their move. At Saratoga, the 1.25-mile distance means the Belmont Stakes 2025 start time kicks off a race that is more of a sprint-endurance hybrid than the traditional "marathon."
Jockeys like Irad Ortiz Jr. (riding Hill Road) and Flavien Prat (on Baeza) have to be way more aggressive. You can't just sit back and wait for everyone to get tired. If you're not in a good spot by the final turn at Saratoga, you're basically toast.
The Full Saturday TV Lineup
- 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. ET: Early coverage on FS1.
- 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET: Pre-race vibes on FOX.
- 4:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. ET: The main window on FOX and FS1 (The Stakes at 7:04).
- 7:30 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. ET: Post-race analysis on FS1.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Post Time
People always complain that the race "starts late." It does. 7:04 p.m. ET is dinner time for a lot of people, but that’s prime time for TV ratings. The New York Racing Association (NYRA) wants as many eyeballs as possible.
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Also, keep an eye on the weather. Saratoga in June can be unpredictable. If a thunderstorm rolls through the Hudson Valley, that 7:04 post time might slide back. These horses won't load if there's lightning within a certain radius. It's all about safety, even if it messes with your parlay.
Actionable Tips for Race Day
- Set your DVR for 8:00 p.m. ET: If there’s a delay, you don't want the recording to cut off while the horses are still in the gate.
- Check the "Belmont at the Big A" results: Since most of the spring meet happened at Aqueduct this year, look at how the horses performed there. It's a better indicator than last year's stats.
- Download the NYRA Bets app: Even if you aren't wagering $500 on a trifecta, the app gives you the most accurate, real-time "minutes to post" updates.
If you're heading to the track, gates open at 9:00 a.m. ET. It’s going to be a madhouse. Saratoga Springs is basically one giant party during Belmont week, with concerts from the Gin Blossoms and G-Eazy happening in the days leading up to the Saturday main event.
Whether you're watching for the sport or just the spectacle, that 7:04 p.m. ET window is when history happens. Make sure your drink is poured and your phone is off by 7:00.
Next Steps for Your Belmont Saturday:
- Verify the late scratches: Check the official NYRA website at 10:00 a.m. on race day to see if any horses have been pulled.
- Confirm your streaming login: If you're using the FOX Sports app, log in Friday night to avoid the "password reset" panic five minutes before post time.
- Study the 1.25-mile split times: Look at how Sovereignty handled the distance in the Derby compared to how he might handle the shorter, tighter Saratoga turns.