Due to Belmont Park's extensive renovations, the third leg of the Triple Crown of horse racing will now take place at Saratoga Race Course in 2024, moving the Triple Crown from Long Island to upstate New York.
The decision, which was long anticipated after the New York Racing Association revealed plans for the $455 million Belmont Park renovation, was announced by New York Governor Kathy Hochul.
By phone on Wednesday, NYRA president and CEO David O'Rourke stated, "A number of circumstances would have to come into alignment in order to have the Belmont up at Saratoga." It is the nation's most historic venue. Not only is it one of the best sports stadiums on Earth, but it's also one of the best tourism destinations in the country. Everybody is thrilled.
Although it will likely not be the last, this is scheduled to be the first Belmont to be held at Saratoga. O'Rourke continued, "Belmont Park work means that the Belmont will probably remain there in 2025."
Because of Saratoga's unique dirt track, the Belmont will be run at a distance of 1 1/4 miles, rather than the customary 1 1/2 miles, pending approval from the North American Graded Stakes Committee. The event will be held as part of a unique four-day run at Saratoga one month prior to the regular summer meet starting on July 11; the purse will increase from $1.5 million to $2 million.
"Having the excitement and capability to hold the four-day celebration in June at America's most historic track is a win for horse racing and the Capital Region," Hochul said in a statement.