Belmont Park will add three Wednesday racing cards to its 2026 fall meet, giving horsemen and racing fans additional opportunities during the first season at the rebuilt Long Island venue.
The New York Racing Association announced that live racing will be conducted on October 14, October 21 and October 28. The dates received formal approval from the New York State Gaming Commission after a request from NYRA, the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and New York Thoroughbred Breeders.
Why the dates were added
The three October cards replace racing opportunities lost when three earlier dates were canceled. Details for races on the added programs are available through the Belmont Park condition book.
The change comes during an ambitious fall meet at the new Belmont Park. NYRA says the meet includes 32 graded stakes among 72 stakes races worth $17.7 million in total purses.
Belmont continues its expanded fall program
The added dates follow the September 18 launch of the Belmont Big Apple Bonus. The program can provide up to $8,500 in awards for each eligible horse shipping or relocating to Belmont Park from another racing jurisdiction. Owners and trainers already based on the NYRA circuit can also qualify.
The schedule adjustment adds depth to a fall calendar that includes major championship preparation. The upcoming Beldame, Joe Hirsch Turf Classic, Vosburgh, Gallant Bloom and Flower Bowl are among the important September races, while the October 3 program includes the Champagne and Frizette.
For OTB Bet readers following the new Belmont Park, the additional Wednesdays matter beyond three extra race cards. They extend the racing opportunities available during a meet that is helping establish the rhythm of the rebuilt venue before Belmont moves into its winter program.
What comes next at Belmont
Attention first remains on the immediate stakes schedule. The Beldame is set for September 25, followed by a major September 26 card featuring the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic, Flower Bowl, Gallant Bloom and Vosburgh. The Belmont Turf Sprint and Winter Memories follow on September 27.
OTB Bet will continue tracking confirmed fields, results and major developments from Belmont Park as the fall meet progresses.
