You’d usually be heading to Elmont, Long Island, to catch the third leg of the Triple Crown. But for 2026, the tradition is still on a bit of a detour. If you’re asking where is the belmont stakes this year, the answer is once again Saratoga Springs, New York.
It’s the third and final time the "Test of the Champion" is being held at the historic Saratoga Race Course. Honestly, it’s a weird vibe for some purists, but it’s become a bit of a legendary summer-in-June tradition while we wait for the "Big Sandy" to get its massive facelift.
The Saratoga Residency: Why it’s not at Belmont Park
So, why are we back at the Spa? Basically, Belmont Park is a giant construction zone. The New York Racing Association (NYRA) is in the middle of a $455 million massive redevelopment project. They aren't just slapping on a new coat of paint; they literally knocked down the old, cavernous grandstand and are building a modern, sleek facility from the dirt up.
Governor Kathy Hochul and the NYRA team decided to keep the race in Saratoga for 2026 to make sure the construction stays on schedule. If they tried to host it at Belmont while workers were still swinging hammers, it would have been a logistical nightmare with limited fans. By moving it north, they get to have a full-blown festival without a crane in the background of the finish line photos.
The good news? The new Belmont Park is actually slated for a "soft opening" in September 2026. But since the Belmont Stakes happens in June, it misses that window by just a few months. So, Saratoga gets one last hurrah as the host.
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The Big Change: It’s Not 1.5 Miles
This is the part that trips people up. The Belmont Stakes is famously known as the "Test of the Champion" because of its grueling 1.5-mile distance. However, Saratoga’s main track is smaller than Belmont’s massive oval.
Because of the track configuration, the 2026 Belmont Stakes will be run at 1 1/4 miles.
That’s the same distance as the Kentucky Derby. Some folks argue it makes the race "easier," but tell that to a horse that’s already been through the ringer in Louisville and Baltimore. It’s still a beast of a race, just a slightly different kind of beast.
Quick Facts for the 2026 Race:
- Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026
- Location: Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, NY
- Festival Dates: June 3 to June 7
- Distance: 1 1/4 miles (10 furlongs)
- Purse: Multi-million dollar stakes (usually $2 million+)
The Vibe in Saratoga Springs
If you’ve never been to Saratoga in June, it’s kinda special. Usually, the track doesn't open until mid-July for the summer meet. Having the Belmont Stakes there is like a surprise party for the town. Broadway is packed. The bars are overflowing with people drinking Belmont Jewels—that’s the bourbon, lemonade, and pomegranate juice concoction that replaced the old "Belmont Breeze."
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One thing to keep in mind: Saratoga is much smaller than the old Belmont Park. While Belmont could technically hold 100,000 people (though it was rarely fun with that many), Saratoga’s capacity is tighter. This means tickets are harder to get and way more expensive. If you’re planning to go, you basically need to book your hotel or Airbnb yesterday.
What’s Happening at the "New" Belmont Park?
While the race is happening upstate, the work down in Elmont is moving fast. They actually topped out the new grandstand in late 2025. This new building is going to be about a third of the size of the old one, but way more high-tech.
They’re adding:
- A five-story grandstand with way more glass and views.
- 31 luxury suites (the old building had zero—crazy, right?).
- Tunnels to the infield, which will finally be open to the public.
- A synthetic "Tapeta" track for winter racing.
The plan is to bring the Belmont Stakes back home to Long Island in June 2027. That year will be massive because they’re also planning to host the Breeders' Cup there.
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Things to Know if You’re Attending
If you’re heading to the 2026 Belmont Stakes at Saratoga, don’t expect the usual Saratoga "relaxed" rules. NYRA usually imports the stricter Belmont Park policies for this weekend.
For instance, you can’t bring your own alcohol into the track for the Belmont Festival, even though you totally can during the regular summer meet. They also have strict size limits on coolers. It’s a "big event" security vibe. Also, the dress code is a bit more elevated. Think "Derby Lite"—lots of seersucker and fascinators, but maybe fewer giant hats than you’d see at Churchill Downs.
Looking Ahead to the Triple Crown
It’s always a gamble whether we’ll have a Triple Crown on the line by the time June rolls around. But regardless of whether a horse has won the first two legs, the Belmont at Saratoga is a bucket-list experience. There is something about that 160-year-old track that makes even a shorter 1 1/4-mile race feel monumental.
Since this is the final year of the Saratoga "residency," expect the energy to be pretty high. It’s the end of a unique era in horse racing history.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check Tickets Early: NYRA usually puts Belmont Stakes tickets on sale in early 2026. Sign up for their "Inside Track" newsletter now so you don't miss the drop.
- Book Lodging Now: Saratoga Springs hotels triple their prices for this weekend. Look at nearby towns like Troy, Albany, or Glens Falls if you want to save a few hundred bucks.
- Review the Distance: If you’re a bettor, remember that 1 1/4 miles favors different types of runners than the traditional 1 1/2 miles. Look for horses that excelled at the Kentucky Derby distance.
- Plan for the Festival: Don't just show up for the Saturday race. The four-day festival has some of the best Grade 1 racing of the year on Thursday and Friday too.