Photo: Eclipse Sportswire & Populous
The Breeders’ Cup was named Keeneland and Belmont Park as host sites for the 2026 and 2027 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, respectively. Both venues have undergone major capital construction projects and show their commitment to staying at the forefront of sports.
This multi-year announcement highlights the ongoing commitment from the Breeders’ Cup to promote horse racing and invest in its future. Since its founding in 1984, the nonprofit has returned more than $1 billion to the industry with wallets, awards and charitable contributions while holding world championships at 12 elite racetracks in North America.
“The Breeders’ Cup, Keeneland and Belmont Park share many core values, including excellence and a steady commitment to thoroughbred racing, and there’s no better way to showcase their partnership than holding a world championship at these iconic venues in 2026 and 2027.” “Both venues, enhanced by the latest capital improvements, each have their own legacy, setting the stage for a thrilling two-day festival that celebrates the pinnacle of thoroughbred racing and everything that equestrian lifestyles have to offer.”
Keeneland receives more than $100 million in its 89-year history. The development plan is fixed at the three-level paddock building, with an extended length of the Sadling paddock and walking ring, and is scheduled to open this fall. The Paddock building will provide a new ticketing experience for over 1,000 fans during race meetings. This includes traditional sit-in dining, a new bar concept, and access to the paddock grass on the north side of Sadling Paduk.
The new jockey quarters within the building provide a unique experience for patrons as riders walk directly through one of the dining venues before and after each race. The reconstructed Sadling Paddock, housed on the lower floors of the Paddock building, provides a safe environment for horse and human participants, providing fans with unparalleled views of the pre-race pageantry.
“Keeneland is honoured to host the Breeders’ Cup World Championship in 2026. We are thrilled to be able to share this global racing celebration with fans and the Lexington community around the world.” “We are particularly excited to host our guests in the new Paddock Building, which further enhances our hospitality experience. Additionally, we look forward to hosting our third championship sale on Wednesday before the Breeders’ Cup, a dynamic way to launch the week’s festivities.
The $455 million redevelopment of New York State and the New York Racing Association’s Belmont Park will become a world-class racing and entertainment destination on Long Island. With a 300,000-square-foot five-storey building, sports fans are hoping to offer modern amenities and hospitality, and the new facility will unlock the massive Belmont Park infield and provide more green space than ever before for fans and the community. Additionally, NYRA has completely renovated its existing main dirt track and two turf courses, adding an all-weather synthetic surface. NYRA will open New Belmont Park in September 2026.
“New Belmont Park is taking shape on Long Island as support for horse racing and understanding of its positive economic impact paved the way for its return to New York in 2027. “New York racing fans and participants have been eager to host this event since its last event in Belmont in 2005. We would like to thank the Breeders’ Cup for making it happen.”
The 2026 run marks the fourth time Keeneland hosts the World Championships in 2015, 2020 and 2022 and beyond. We are welcoming the Breeders’ Cup in 2027 for over 20 years. 29-30, 2027. All race dates are pending approval from the respective state of the host track.
