Andy Newton
The 158th running of the Belmont Stakes will again be hosted at Saratoga Race Course rather than its traditional home at Belmont Park, as the major redevelopment project at Belmont Park continues.
The New York Racing Association (NYRA) and New York State officials have confirmed that the famous Triple Crown race will remain at Saratoga for a third consecutive year while work progresses on the transformed Belmont Park facility.
Valued at more than $400 million, the rebuilding project includes a complete modernization of the horse racing grandstand, fan areas, hospitality spaces and racing infrastructure.
It represents one of the most significant renovations in Belmont Park’s history.
Officials determined that staging the Belmont Stakes while construction was still underway would present logistical and safety challenges for fans, horsemen and staff alike.
As a result, Saratoga Race Course has become the temporary home of the final leg of the Triple Crown.
Another important factor is Saratoga’s standing as one of America’s most historic and beloved racing venues.
Often referred to as “The Spa,” Saratoga has successfully hosted the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival throughout the relocation period, attracting huge crowds and generating strong wagering figures.
How Long Has the Belmont Stakes Been Staged at Saratoga?
The Belmont Stakes was first moved to Saratoga in 2024. Making the 2026 edition the third straight year the race has been staged there.
Before the move, the Belmont Stakes had never been run outside the New York City metropolitan area.
While the race was temporarily staged at Aqueduct Racetrack between 1963 and 1967 during an earlier rebuilding phase at Belmont Park, Saratoga became the first upstate New York venue to host the race.
The relocation has also changed the character of the contest itself. Traditionally known as the “Test of the Champion,” the Belmont Stakes is normally run over 1½ miles on Belmont Park’s sweeping oval.
The Belmont Stakes Race Distance Is Shorter at Saratoga
Saratoga’s tighter configuration, however, means the race has been shortened to 1¼ miles during its stay there. As running the full mile-and-a-half distance would require an unfair starting position on a turn.
When Will the Belmont Stakes Return to Belmont Park?
Current plans call for the Belmont Stakes to return to Belmont Park in 2027.
Although Belmont Park is expected to reopen in September 2026, construction timelines mean the 2026 Belmont Stakes could not realistically be accommodated there in June.
Officials therefore opted to keep the race at Saratoga for one final year before bringing it back downstate in 2027.
NYRA president David O’Rourke has stressed that Belmont Park “will always be the home of the Belmont Stakes”
Andy said the organization is eagerly anticipating the return of the Triple Crown race to the newly redeveloped venue.
The revamped Belmont Park is also scheduled to host the Breeders’ Cup in 2027, underlining both the scale and significance of the redevelopment project.
How Far Is Belmont Park From Saratoga Race Course?
Saratoga Race Course is located approximately 180 miles north of Belmont Park.
The drive between the two racetracks typically takes around three-and-a-half to four hours, depending on traffic conditions. Particularly when travelling through the New York metropolitan area.
Saratoga sits near the state capital of Albany in upstate New York. While Belmont Park is located on Long Island, just outside New York City.
That geographical contrast gives the Belmont Stakes a noticeably different feel during its temporary stay at Saratoga.
With the smaller, more intimate venue offering a sharp contrast to Belmont Park’s vast grandstand and expansive racing surface.
Who Won the Belmont Stakes in 2025?
The 2025 Belmont Stakes was won by Sovereignty. Who captured the 157th running of the race at Saratoga Race Course on June 7, 2025.
Trained by William I. Mott and ridden by jockey Junior Alvarado, Sovereignty completed the 1¼-mile contest in 2:00.69.
The colt had already won the 2025 Kentucky Derby and became the first horse since Justify to win at least two legs of the Triple Crown series.
Journalism finished second, while Baeza took third in the eight-horse field.
