Welcome to Belmont Park guide, the colossal cathedral of American racing. Known for its sweeping turns and brutal mile-and-a-half test of stamina, Belmont is home to the final jewel of the Triple Crown—and the scene of triumph and heartbreak alike.
Belmont is operated by the New York Racing Association (NYRA), which also manages Aqueduct and Saratoga. NYRA is non-profit and tightly linked with New York State racing regulations.
Let the Horse.bet team walk you through everything you need to know about this iconic New York track: betting angles, big race days, and why the “Test of the Champion” still lives up to the name.
Where Is Belmont Park?
Belmont Park is in Elmont, New York, just outside Queens and not far from JFK Airport. It’s about a 30–40 minute ride from Manhattan—making it the top destination for New York racing fans.
Major Races at Belmont Park
Belmont Stakes
The third and final leg of the Triple Crown. This race is a true test—1½ miles on dirt, and only the toughest 3-year-olds survive it.
- Purse: $2 million
- Distance: 1½ miles (12 furlongs)
- Date (2026): Saturday, June 6, 2026
- Nickname: “The Test of the Champion”
Other notable races:
- Jockey Club Gold Cup
- Acorn Stakes
- Metropolitan Handicap (the “Met Mile”)
- Man o’ War Stakes
- Champagne Stakes
How to Bet on Belmont Park Races Online
Belmont Park betting is all about reading pace. The long stretch means late closers often swoop in—especially on turf.
Best Online Betting Sites for Belmont:
| Site | Bonus Offer | Streams Live? |
|---|---|---|
| TwinSpires | $200 bonus | ✅ Yes |
| NYRA | Bonus Bets for New Players | ✅ Yes |
| TVG / FanDuel | Bet $20, Get $100 in bonus | ✅ Yes |
| Caesars Racebook | $100 matched bet | ✅ Yes |
| Bet365 | Live streaming on request. Promo code: USB365 | ✅ Yes |
Visiting Belmont Park
Belmont is massive. The grandstand alone is over 1,000 feet long, and the track itself is the largest in North America.
- General Admission: $5–$10 (more on Stakes Day)
- Premium Boxes: From $50–$150+
- VIP Belmont Room: Worth it for big race days
The Belmont Backyard area is underrated. Bring a blanket, chill with locals, and catch all the action with easy paddock access.
What’s New at Belmont?
- Temporary closure till Fall 2026: Belmont is undergoing major renovations as part of a $455M rebuild, including a brand-new grandstand and year-round racing setup.
- Belmont Stakes 2026: Temporarily hosted at Saratoga Race Course due to construction.
- Expected full reopening: End of 2026
Despite the facelift, the soul of Belmont lives on—especially during Stakes season.
Belmont Park Fast Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Elmont, New York |
| Opened | 1905 |
| Owner | NYRA |
| Surface | Dirt + Two Turf Tracks |
| Track Type | Thoroughbred |
| Signature Race | Belmont Stakes |
| Reopening Year | 2026 (estimated) |
| Nickname | Big Sandy |
Horse.bet Expert Betting Tips
- Belmont is for closers. Long homestretch = more time to catch front-runners.
- Inside posts can struggle in turf routes—look for wide-drawn horses with finishing kick.
- Avoid speed horses at 1½ miles unless they’re clear lone leaders.
- Watch for NYRA trainers like Todd Pletcher, Chad Brown, and Bill Mott.
Even with renovations in progress, Belmont Park remains sacred ground for racing purists. It’s not just about winning—it’s about doing it the hard way. Whether you’re betting the Belmont Stakes or a Tuesday turf maiden, Belmont always delivers depth and drama.
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