Legendary Triple Crown Race Moving To Upstate New York

A twist in the horse racing world is bringing one of the country’s most iconic races to a new spot in New York State next year. 

As the third leg of the prestigious Triple Crown, you can’t underemphasize the importance of the Belmont Stakes. Held five weeks after the famous Kentucky Derby and three weeks after the Preakness Stakes, legendary horses like Secretariat have secured their triple crown titles at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York for years - that is, until 2024. 

Due to massive renovations planned for the nearly 120 year old park, the Belmont Stakes will be moved from its home in Long Island to another famous track farther upstate. 

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Belmont Stakes Moving To Upstate New York

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced that while Belmont is under construction, this year’s race will be held at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga, New York in front of a crowd of approximately 50,000 fans, calling it “a win for horseracing and for the Capital Region.” 

According to the Associated Press, the $455 million Belmont Park Project is expected to last into 2025, so there’s a huge possibility that Saratoga could host the Belmont Stakes two years in a row.

NYRA president and CEO David O’Rourke expressed his excitement for the temporary move, telling AP, 

“It’s the most historic venue in the country. It’s one of the coolest sporting venues on the planet, and it’s one of the greatest tourist towns in the nation.”

More Changes To The 2024 Belmont Stakes

Because the track at Saratoga is shorter than Belmont, this year’s race will run 1 ¼ miles rather than the traditional 1 ½ miles. 

The race will be part of a special 4-day run at Saratoga a month before the usual summer meet there begins July 11, with the Belmont Stakes races taking place on June 8, 2024.