The third gem of Hors Racing’s Triple Crown is set on Saturday, June 7th, closing out a exciting five-week period in which sports appears on the central stage of American culture.
157th Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA BETS It will be held historically Saratoga Race Course This is the second year in a row following a highly successful event in 2024. Last year, Belmont stakes moved to Saratoga, where traditional host truck Belmont Park in Elmont, New York launched a massive reconstruction project. The project is not scheduled to be completed until mid-2026. This means that Belmont’s stakes will run this year (and perhaps next year) on a precious New York state track called “The Spa.”
This year, Saratoga will be holding the five-day Belmont Stakes Racing Festival from June 4th to 8th, featuring not only the Belmont Stakes but several other important races. Saratoga will also be holding its first event on July 4th. The racing festival from July 3rd to 6th will begin its traditional summer event on July 10th, with Labor Day on September 1st.
Fans will arrive at Saratoga Springs next week. If you’re in it, there are things you need to know before you travel to promise to be one of the highlights of the 2025 racing calendar.
Possible rematch for Derby and Preakness winners
As of May 29th, the winner of the Kentucky Derby, featuring Woodford Reserve and Preakness Stakes (journalism), is expected to start with the Belmont Stakes. Sovereignty skipped the Preakness Stakes after beating journalism in the Kentucky Derby by 1½ length. In addition to the possibility of a rematch, Baeza, who finished third in the Derby, is the starter for Belmont. The colt finished fast under the twin spire, nearly catching journalism in the second.
Star Power on display at Undercard Race
The June 7th Belmont Stakes Undercard Hill “N” Dale Metropolitan Handicap – aka “Met Mile” is one of the most prestigious races in the sport, and has been praised especially by owners who want to build a horse qualification as a future stallion. This year’s Met Mile is expected to win WIN The Alysheba Stakes with White Abario, winner of the 2023 Longines Breaders’ Cup Classic and earlier this year’s Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes, and runner-up in the Longines Classic last fall, returning to his 4-year-old debut. The Met Mile, the Jaipur Stakes on June 7th, and the Ogden Phipps Stakes, announced by Ford on June 6th, will be the qualifiers for the Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” at Del Mar in November, with the winners offering a berth to pay for the World Championship race.
How to reach the truck, when open, transport/parking
The Saratoga Race Course is located on 267 Union Avenue east of downtown and is accessible to people coming from town via I-87. Entrance gates will open on Friday, June 7th at 10am, Wednesday, June 4th, June 5th, June 5th, and Sunday, June 8th at 9am and 9am ET.
The picnic table area in Saratoga’s backyard is extremely popular, with tables coveted by fans who turn them upside down on a first come, first served basis.
Parking opens daily one hour before entrance. The New York Racing Association strongly recommends purchasing parking online in advance, but additional parking is sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Access the Saratoga Race Course map here.
The free CDTA Saratoga Summer Trolley runs daily for the Belmont Stakes Festival and transports fans between downtown Saratoga Springs and the racetrack. Here you will see the route map.
Entertainment Options in Belmont Week
There is a wealth of activities scheduled for the week of the Belmont Stakes Festival in and around Saratoga Springs. Following the opening cards for the race at the five-day Belmont Festival, you head to downtown Saratoga Springs, featuring the popular 1990s altrock band Gin Blossom, on Belmont, which is scheduled for 7pm to 10pm. On Thursday evening, the National Racing Museum and Hall of Fame, located just next to the racetrack, will be hosting the Belmont Gala, featuring fine dining, live music and ceremonies, celebrating last year’s Belmont Award-winning connection. Racing Hall of Fame celebrates 75th This year’s anniversary.
Another Thursday event will be Sports Illustrated’s level at a race party held at the Downtown nighttime hotspot starting at 7pm and at the nighttime owl hotspot featuring headliner G-Eazy. This Shebang will also grant general admission tickets to Saratoga on Thursday and Friday. And then, just after the end of the race on Friday, we will celebrate “Under the Stars” at Belmont Ball, held at Fasig-Tipton Sales Pavilion, a few blocks from the racetrack. The event is jointly present by the New York Racing Association Foundation and features cocktails, dinners and dances from 6:30pm to 10:30pm
Apart from special events, Saratoga Springs is well-known among race enthusiasts. Find a guide to classic dining facilities and an overview of the bars and breweries you will be visiting.
Ticket information
Purchase general admission tickets, premium hospitality tickets and premium VIP packages here.
I’ll keep cash on hand, but only for betting
The 2025 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival will be cashless for many purchases, including food and beverage services, entry and parking. Credit cards and debit cards are accepted.
On the other hand, using Mutuel Clerk or a self-service machine, you can only place cash on the track. Fans can also bet online via NYRA BET. Set up an account here and receive a bonus if you are a new member.
Try Belmont Jewel
Like the Mint Jelep from the Kentucky Derby and the black-eyed Susan cocktails from Preakness, the Belmont Stakes have their own signature drink: Belmont Jewel. Made with straight bourbon whiskey, lemonade, pomegranate juice and lemon twist. It’s a great way to enjoy the day, and if you want to try it yourself before you splash out, head to the gym dandy bar at the Lower Clubhouse for a tasting on Friday from noon to 4pm (supplies last).
Know what you can and cannot bring
Before you go to the Belmont Stakes Festival in Saratoga, it’s important to know what you can and cannot do with the truck. Folding chairs and coolers are not less than 12″ x 18″ in line with Saratoga tradition, including food and non-alcoholic drinks (limited to one each per adult). External alcoholic beverages, umbrellas and tents are one of the prohibited items.
Check out our complete list of permitted and prohibited items here.
