About the Belmont Stakes
The Belmont Stakes is not just one of the three major horse races in the United States — it is a true sporting and cultural event that annually serves as the grand finale of the U.S. Triple Crown. This prestigious race traditionally takes place in the village of Elmont, New York, at Belmont Park. The date is always set for the first or second Saturday in June — exactly five weeks after the Kentucky Derby and three weeks after the Preakness Stakes.
The classic race distance is 2.4 km (1.5 miles), making it the longest of the three Triple Crown legs. It is no coincidence that the race is called The Test of the Champion, as it challenges not only the speed but also the endurance of the horses. Another nickname is The Run for the Carnations — the winning horse is draped with a blanket of white carnations. Creating this prize requires about 700 flowers, which are specially imported from Colombia.
Belmont Stakes 2027: Return to Belmont Park
The 2027 Belmont Stakes will take place on June 5, 2027, at the newly renovated Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. After three years at Saratoga Race Course, one of the most prestigious races of the American season will return to its historic home. The new Belmont Park is scheduled to open for racing on September 18, 2026, following a major redevelopment project.
The Belmont Stakes is the third and final race of the American Triple Crown, alongside the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. The race is open to three-year-old Thoroughbred horses and is considered one of the most prestigious events in American horse racing.
Date and Venue
The 2027 Belmont Stakes will take place on June 5, 2027, as part of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival. The event will be held at the new Belmont Park in Elmont, on Long Island. The return to Belmont Park will mark the end of the race's temporary relocation to Saratoga, which began in 2024.
The redevelopment of Belmont Park includes a new five-story complex spanning approximately 300,000 square feet, upgraded racing surfaces and modern facilities for spectators. The first day of racing at the new venue is scheduled for September 18, 2026.
Festival Format and Program
The Belmont Stakes is held as part of the multi-day Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, which combines the main race with a series of other major races. In 2027, the festival will once again take place at Belmont Park.
The main race is open to three-year-old Thoroughbred horses. The Belmont Stakes is traditionally one of the most important races in the Triple Crown and attracts leading jockeys, trainers and owners from across the United States.
Tickets and Spectator Experience
In 2027, spectators will have access to various ways to attend the Belmont Stakes, including general admission, reserved seating, restaurants, premium areas and hospitality packages. Pre-sale registration and special ticket offers were already available in 2026.
The return of the Belmont Stakes to the renovated Belmont Park is expected to be one of the major events of the new horse racing season in New York.
History and Traditions
The first Belmont Stakes was held on June 19, 1867, at Jerome Park in the Bronx. The winner was Ruthless, who became the first filly to win the race.
Over the years, the race was held at several New York racetracks, but Belmont Park became its permanent home in 1905. From 2024 to 2026, the event was temporarily held at Saratoga Race Course due to the redevelopment of Belmont Park. Starting in 2027, the Belmont Stakes will return to its renovated historic venue.
The Belmont Stakes is the final leg of the American Triple Crown. Winning the race is considered one of the most prestigious achievements for a three-year-old Thoroughbred.
Previous Belmont Stakes Results
| Year | Venue | Results |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, New York, USA | Jockey: Jose Ortiz; Horse: Golden Tempo |
| 2025 | Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, New York, USA | Jockey: Junior Alvarado; Horse: Sovereignty |
| 2024 | Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, New York, USA | Jockey: Luis Saez; Horse: Dornoch |
2028 Belmont Stakes Horse Race
Information about the exact date and venue for the 2028 Belmont Stakes has not yet been announced. Following the event's return to Belmont Park in 2027, the race is expected to continue taking place at the venue, although the official 2028 calendar has not yet been published.
Official website of the horse races Belmont Stakes
Keep an eye on the dates of horse races and other events in our Sports Events Calendar.
