It will be the 3rd and final year at Saratoga.

NYRA has announced that for the 3rd year in a row, The Belmont Stakes will be held in Saratoga. 

This will be the final year that the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival will be coming to The Capital Region since Belmont Park is scheduled to re-open in September of 2026. However, since The Belmont takes place in June, they will once again being using the historic Saratoga Race Course as the stunt double for the festivities.

During a joint press conference with Governor Hochul, NYRA President and CEO Dave O'Rourke said - 

 "As we prepare for the opening of the new Belmont Park in the fall of 2026, NYRA is pleased to bring the Belmont Stakes to Saratoga for a third and final time next June. Belmont Park will always be the home of the Belmont Stakes and we look forward to its return to the newly reimagined Belmont in 2027."

While the idea was passed around about possibly holding the 2026 race in the partially completed Belmont facility, NYRA has decided to bring the 3rd leg of the Triple Crown back to Saratoga and will take place on June 6th, 2026.

Governor Hocul said -

“Bringing the race back to Saratoga next year will once again expand the audience for this storied leg of the Triple Crown and ensure fans continue to enjoy the full experience."