So, the "Test of the Champion" is moving again, but not really. If you're looking for the Belmont Stakes TV schedule, you've probably noticed things look a little different lately. For the third year in a row, the race isn't even happening at Belmont Park. It's up in Saratoga Springs.
Honestly, it’s a vibe.
Saratoga Race Course is hosting the 158th running of the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 6, 2026. Because the track at Saratoga is smaller than the massive "Big Sandy" down on Long Island, the race is shorter too. It’s $1.25$ miles instead of the traditional $1.5$ miles. That changes the handicapping quite a bit, but for those of us watching from the couch, the biggest thing is knowing when to actually turn on the TV.
Where to find the Belmont Stakes TV schedule on race day
Fox Sports has the keys to the kingdom now. They signed a big ten-year deal a few years back, so if you're looking for the old NBC chime, you're out of luck.
Usually, the day is split across a few different channels. You’ll want to keep your remote handy because they bounce around to maximize the coverage. While the exact minute-by-minute breakdown for 2026 is usually finalized closer to the spring, the pattern is pretty set in stone based on how NYRA (New York Racing Association) and Fox have handled the Saratoga residency.
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Early bird coverage typically kicks off on FS1. This is where you see the undercard races. It's basically for the hardcore fans who want to see every sprint and turf race before the main event.
By mid-afternoon, the "big" show moves to the main FOX broadcast local channel. This is the high-production window. You get the fancy outfits, the celebrity interviews, and the heavy-duty analysis of the Triple Crown contenders.
How the 2026 timeline looks (Estimated)
- Morning/Early Afternoon: FS1 or FS2 handles the lead-up.
- Late Afternoon (the Main Window): FOX takes over for the official Belmont Stakes broadcast.
- Post Time: Typically, the gates fly open around 6:30 PM to 6:50 PM ET.
Don't wait until 6:40 to turn it on. You'll miss the walk-over and the singing of "New York, New York," which is half the fun.
Streaming the Belmont Stakes in 2026
If you've cut the cord, don't worry. You aren't stuck listening to it on a transistor radio.
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The most direct way to stream is through the Fox Sports app or FoxSports.com. You’ll generally need a cable login for that, though. If you're a "pure" streamer with no cable provider, you can find the race on any live TV service that carries Fox. This includes:
- YouTube TV
- Hulu + Live TV
- FuboTV
- Sling TV (Check your local market for Fox availability)
One thing to watch out for: NYRA Bets. If you have an account there, they often have their own internal stream for wagering purposes, but for the actual cinematic Fox production, the options above are your best bet.
Why the venue change matters for your viewing
You might hear the announcers talking about "the configuration" a lot. Since Saratoga’s main dirt track is only 1 1/8 miles around, they can't start a 1 1/2 mile race in the same spot they do at Belmont Park. If they tried, the horses would be starting right on a turn, which is dangerous and unfair.
So, they shortened it to 1 1/4 miles.
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This makes the 2026 Belmont Stakes the exact same distance as the Kentucky Derby. It’s a huge deal. Usually, the Belmont is a test of pure stamina. Now, it’s more of a classic speed-and-stamina mix. It’s the "Third Leg," sure, but it feels a lot more like a summer derby.
Saratoga’s final year as host
This is actually the "Last Hurrah" for the Belmont at the Spa. The new, reimagined Belmont Park is scheduled to reopen in the fall of 2026. That means by 2027, the race should be back home in Elmont, New York, in a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility.
If you're watching the broadcast this year, expect a lot of "goodbye to Saratoga" segments. The city of Saratoga Springs has basically been the savior of the Triple Crown while the construction crews were moving dirt down south.
Tips for a better viewing experience
Kinda sounds simple, but check your local listings about two weeks out. Fox sometimes moves the early coverage between FS1 and FS2 depending on what else is happening—like MLB games or soccer.
Also, if you're planning on betting through an app, deposit your money the Friday before. Every single year, the betting apps get slammed right before post time and the servers crawl. There is nothing worse than having the winning horse picked out and seeing a "loading" spinning wheel while the race is running.
What to do next
If you're serious about catching the 158th Belmont Stakes, start by checking if your current streaming or cable package includes FOX and FS1. If you're planning a watch party, the race itself happens fast—usually just over two minutes—so tell your guests to be in their seats by 6:15 PM ET on June 6th to catch the buildup. Keep an eye on the official NYRA website as we hit May; that's when they'll drop the precise post times for the entire Saturday card.