If you’ve been betting the ponies for a few decades, the idea of the Belmont Stakes happening anywhere other than Elmont, New York, probably feels like a glitch in the Matrix. For over a century, the "Test of the Champion" has been synonymous with the massive, 1.5-mile dirt oval at Belmont Park—affectionately known as "Big Sandy."
But things are different right now. Kinda weird, actually.
If you’re looking for the location of the Belmont Stakes in 2026, you won't find it on Long Island. For the third year in a row, the third jewel of the Triple Crown is packing its bags and heading north. The race is staying at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York.
It’s a temporary move, sure, but it’s one that has fundamentally changed how the race is run, how fans experience it, and what it takes for a horse to actually win. Honestly, the change is pretty jarring for the purists.
Why isn't the race at Belmont Park?
The short answer? Dust, cranes, and about $455 million in taxpayer-backed loans.
The New York Racing Association (NYRA) is currently in the middle of a massive, ground-up renovation of Belmont Park. They basically took a sledgehammer to the old grandstand—which was honestly getting a bit long in the tooth—and are building a world-class, "reimagined" facility. Because it’s a total construction zone, you can’t exactly have 50,000 people in sun hats walking around while heavy machinery is moving I-beams.
While the new track surfaces are mostly finished, the actual building won't be ready for a massive crowd until late 2026. Governor Kathy Hochul and NYRA bigwigs officially confirmed that Saratoga would host the 2026 festival to keep the construction on schedule without interruptions.
👉 See also: LeBron James Without Beard: Why the King Rarely Goes Clean Shaven Anymore
They’re aiming for a "soft opening" of the new Belmont Park in September 2026, but that’s too late for a June race. So, Saratoga it is. One last time.
The Saratoga vibe shift
There is no place like Saratoga in the summer. It’s "The Spa." It’s historic, it’s leafy, and it feels like a 19th-century postcard.
But holding the Belmont there in June? That’s a different beast. Usually, the Saratoga meet doesn't even start until July. By bringing the Belmont up there, NYRA has basically created a mini-season in the spring.
The location of the Belmont Stakes changes the race itself
This is the part that messes with the history books.
When the race is at its namesake home, it’s 1.5 miles long. That grueling distance is why it’s called the "Test of the Champion." Most American dirt horses never run that far again in their entire lives.
At the current Saratoga location, the race is 1.25 miles.
✨ Don't miss: When is Georgia's next game: The 2026 Bulldog schedule and what to expect
Why? Because the geometry of the Saratoga track literally doesn't allow for a 1.5-mile dirt race. If they tried to run the traditional distance there, the starting gate would have to be positioned on a turn. That would give the horses on the outside a massive, unfair disadvantage right at the break.
So, for 2024, 2025, and now 2026, the Belmont Stakes is the same distance as the Kentucky Derby.
- Traditional Belmont: 12 furlongs ($1.5$ miles)
- Saratoga Belmont: 10 furlongs ($1.25$ miles)
Some critics argue this "dilutes" the Triple Crown. They say you aren't really winning the same trophy if you don't have to survive that final quarter-mile of Big Sandy. Others? They just like that it makes the race more competitive for horses that usually "gas out" at the classic distance.
Planning for 2026: Dates and Details
The 2026 Belmont Stakes is officially scheduled for Saturday, June 6.
The "festival" itself usually runs for about five days, starting that Wednesday. If you're planning to go, you basically have to treat it like a trip to the Kentucky Derby. Hotel rooms in Saratoga Springs—which are already expensive—get snatched up a year in advance.
If you can’t find a spot in town, most people end up staying in Albany or Troy and making the 40-minute drive up I-87. Just a heads up: the traffic on Union Avenue during Belmont weekend is basically a parking lot.
🔗 Read more: Vince Carter Meme I Got One More: The Story Behind the Internet's Favorite Comeback
What happens in 2027?
If you're a traditionalist, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.
The plan is for the race to return to its rightful home at the new Belmont Park in June 2027. By then, the facility will be state-of-the-art, with better sightlines and (hopefully) much better food. NYRA is even hoping to host the Breeders' Cup there shortly after it reopens.
Making the most of the Saratoga "Spa" location
If you’re heading to the location of the Belmont Stakes in 2026, don't just stay at the track. Saratoga is a legendary town for a reason.
- Morning Workouts: You can go to the track early in the morning, grab a coffee, and watch the horses train for free. It’s arguably better than the race itself.
- The Backyard: Unlike the fancy suites, the Saratoga "backyard" is where the real fans are. People bring coolers and literally sprint to claim picnic tables the moment the gates open.
- Broadway: After the races, everyone ends up on Broadway. The bars are packed, and the atmosphere is electric.
It’s worth noting that Saratoga's capacity is smaller than the old Belmont Park. While Belmont could technically hold 100,000 people (though it was miserable at that size), Saratoga caps out much lower to keep things manageable. This means tickets are harder to get and more expensive.
Final takeaways for the 2026 race
- Location: Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, NY.
- Date: June 6, 2026.
- Distance: 1.25 miles (shorter than the traditional 1.5 miles).
- Why: Ongoing $455 million construction at the Elmont, Long Island site.
- Future: Return to Long Island expected for the 2027 Belmont Stakes.
Honestly, even with the shorter distance and the change of scenery, the Belmont at Saratoga has been a massive hit. There’s an energy at the Spa that the old, cavernous Belmont Park sometimes struggled to replicate unless a Triple Crown was on the line.
If you want to go, start looking at lodging now. 2026 is the final year of this "upstate experiment" before the race heads back down to the big city for good.
To prepare for your trip, you should check the official NYRA website for the ticket on-sale dates, which usually drop in early 2026. If you're looking for a hotel, start searching the Albany-Saratoga corridor immediately, as the "Track Season" pricing is already in full effect.