Belmont Park is ready to begin a new chapter on Friday, September 18, when live racing returns to Elmont after a major redevelopment transformed one of American racing’s most historic venues.
The reopening is more than a return to a familiar address. The New York Racing Association says the new Belmont Park is centered around a roughly 300,000 square foot, five story building, replacing the much larger previous grandstand while creating more open green space for fans.
Four racing surfaces define the new Belmont
The racing infrastructure has also changed significantly. Belmont now has a renovated main dirt track, two turf courses and a new all weather synthetic surface. NYRA plans to use the synthetic course for winter racing, races moved off the turf and year round training.
That expanded setup gives New York racing more flexibility as Belmont becomes the primary downstate home of the circuit.
Forever Young leads opening day
The $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup headlines Friday’s nine race opening program. Forever Young leads the five horse field in the Grade 1 event, which is contested at one and one quarter miles and awards the winner an automatic berth in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
OTB Bet has a full Jockey Club Gold Cup preview as well as a permanent Jockey Club Gold Cup guide.
Opening day is already sold out, according to NYRA. Racing continues through the fall meet, giving fans their first extended look at the rebuilt venue.
A longer term championship role
The reopening also sets up two major returns. The Belmont Stakes is scheduled to return to Belmont Park in 2027 after three editions at Saratoga during construction. Belmont is also scheduled to host the 2027 Breeders’ Cup, its first time staging the championships since 2005.
For more on the venue, visit the OTB Bet Belmont Park guide and follow the latest developments on the Horse Racing News page.
Sources
Reporting is based on information published by the New York Racing Association, including its official Belmont Park reopening information and 2026 racing schedule.
