Belmont Park is set to return to live racing on September 18, 2026, opening a new chapter for New York racing after a multiyear redevelopment of the historic Elmont venue.
The opening program will be anchored by the Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup, a $1 million race over 1 1/4 miles on dirt. NYRA lists first post at 1:30 p.m. Eastern.
Forever Young and Sovereignty target the opening day feature
NYRA says Forever Young and Sovereignty are targeting the Jockey Club Gold Cup. The race is part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series and offers an automatic berth to the Breeders’ Cup Classic for an eligible winner.
Forever Young is preparing for a defense of his Breeders’ Cup Classic title, while Sovereignty enters the fall as one of the leading older dirt horses in the United States. Their expected meeting gives Belmont Park a major sporting centerpiece for its return.
A rebuilt Belmont Park
The new Belmont Park includes four newly constructed racing surfaces. NYRA lists a traditional 1 1/2 mile dirt track, two turf courses and a one mile Tapeta oval. The Tapeta surface is also expected to support winter racing and races moved from turf because of weather.
The fall meet begins September 18 and runs through December 6. Racing is scheduled from Thursday through Sunday after opening weekend.
Opening weekend stakes
The Jockey Club Gold Cup is the only stakes race listed for Friday. The $175,000 Floral Park is scheduled for Saturday, September 19, and the $175,000 Forever Together is scheduled for Sunday, September 20.
The reopening also reconnects several major events with Belmont Park. NYRA has confirmed that the Belmont Stakes returns to its Long Island home in 2027, and Belmont Park will also host the 2027 Breeders’ Cup World Championships.
For continuing coverage, visit the Major Races center, the Breeders’ Cup guide and the Belmont Stakes guide.
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