Belmont Stakes Racing Festival Highlights
WHAT: Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga Race Course
WHEN: Wednesday, June 4 – Sunday, June 8
TICKETS: BelmontStakes.com or Stewart’s Shops for an exclusive 3-day pass for $99
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4
Best Bet
I Love NY-Breds Hat Giveaway:
The first 10,000 fans through the turnstiles with paid admission will receive a limited-edition “I Love NY-Breds” baseball cap, courtesy of New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. in celebration of New York Showcase Day.
Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation hosts Belmont Breakfast:
The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) will welcome licensed owners, trainers and jockeys for breakfast on Wednesday, June 4 through Friday, June 6 from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. No RSVP is required. Located at the Marylou Whitney Pavilion, on the Oklahoma side of Union Avenue, the informal gathering is designed for racing industry members to learn more about TRF’s mission: providing dignified lifetime care for racehorses and creating pathways to purpose through its nationally recognized TRF Second Chances Program, operating within correctional facilities across the country.
Admission Gates and Post Time:
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with the 10-race program getting underway at 12:40 p.m. Carry-in policies with personal coolers will align with the traditional Saratoga summer meet. The main track at Saratoga will be closed to the public for morning training during the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, but will re-open for Breakfast at Saratoga on Opening Day of the summer meet, Thursday, July 10.
Oklahoma Morning Training:
Fans can view morning training at the Oklahoma training track from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Pedestrians will be able to enter through Gate 21 on East Avenue (no vehicles allowed).
The Belmont Stakes Racing Festival on FOX:
For the third consecutive year, FOX will present live broadcast coverage of the Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets. FOX Sports is the television home of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, providing viewers across the country with wall-to-wall coverage and expansive on-site analysis of the five-day Festival from Saratoga Race Course. For the complete broadcast schedule, and additional programming information, visit BelmontStakes.com.
Beverly R. Steinman:
The Belmont Stakes Racing Festival kicks off with the nation’s top steeplechasers in the Grade 1, $150,000 Beverly R. Steinman before the card moves into New York Showcase Day.
New York Showcase Day:
New York Showcase Day features six $200,000 events exclusively for New York-Breds, including the seven-furlong Mike Lee for sophomores; Bouwerie at the same distance for sophomore fillies; the nine-furlong Commentator for 3-year-olds and up and the Critical Eye at the same distance for females 3-years-old and up. On the turf, there will be a pair of 1 1/16-mile events, the Kingston for older horses and the Mount Vernon for older fillies and mares.
Taste NY Pavilion:
Complimentary samplings of food and beverages produced exclusively in New York State will be offered from noon to 5 p.m. inside the Taste NY Pavillion. In partnership with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, Taste NY at Saratoga showcases the small producers that are the backbone of New York State’s economy. Fans can enjoy free samples of food and beverages from: Walt Whitman Brewery; Montauk, Northway, Paradox, Frog Alley and Speckled Pig; Social Hour and Hinny Hard Seltzer; Albany Distilling Company, New Scotland Spirits and Pick Six Vodka; Country Corner Café, Toga Nola and Hildebrandt’s ice cream. Must be 21 or older with valid ID to sample and purchase alcohol.
Casamigos Photo and Sampling Station:
Fans can enjoy a photo station and complimentary samplings of the Casamigos Classic Margarita from noon until 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday; and from noon until 6:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at the Casamigos Gazebo bar adjacent to the Walk of Fame. Must be 21 or older with valid ID.
The Mendelssohn Club of Albany:
The Mendelssohn Club of Albany will perform trackside including a rendition of “New York, New York” in celebration of New York Showcase Day. Formed in 1909, the all-male chorus is the longest continuously performing arts group in the Capital Region.
Belmont on Broadway:
For the second year in a row, Belmont on Broadway will kick off the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival in downtown Saratoga Springs. Running from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Broadway adjacent to the Saratoga City Center, the event will be highlighted by a free concert headlined by Grammy-nominated alternative rock band Gin Blossoms. The concert will begin with a performance from The Uprooted Band, which carries on the legacy of the energetic music of Rusted Root, led by lead singer Michael Glabicki.
THURSDAY, JUNE 5
Best Bet
Revel at the Races:
Revel at the Races, in partnership with Sports Illustrated, will be headlined by G-Eazy, the multi-platinum rapper and producer, at The Night Owl beginning at 7 p.m. in downtown Saratoga Springs. SI Revel at the Races offers a high-energy night of live music, premium hospitality and brand activations. Tickets are available at BelmontStakes.com/Revel.
Admission Gates and Post Time:
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with the 10-race program getting underway at 12:40 p.m. Fans may carry food and non-alcoholic beverages onto the grounds in personal coolers. Fans are not permitted to carry alcohol into Saratoga Race Course from Thursday, June 5 through Saturday, June 7.
Oklahoma Morning Training:
Fans can view morning training at the Oklahoma training track from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Pedestrians will be able to enter through Gate 21 on East Avenue (no vehicles allowed).
Intercontinental and Poker:
Thursday’s card presents four stakes, including the Grade 2, $200,000 Intercontinental for older fillies and mares, and the Grade 3, $300,000 Poker for older horses. Juveniles will also be on full display in the Listed $150,000 Tremont and the $150,000 Astoria for fillies.
1936 Ford Phaeton:
A 1936 Ford Phaeton, a vehicle model which was once owned by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, will be on display outside of the Clubhouse Gates, courtesy of the Saratoga Automobile Museum.
National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame 75th Anniversary:
Located across from Saratoga Race Course on Union Avenue, the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame will be on track to celebrate its 75th anniversary. A special exhibit at the Saratoga Race Course Walk of Fame will commemorate the museum’s milestone all season long.
Taste NY Pavilion:
Complimentary samplings of food and beverages produced exclusively in New York State will be offered from noon to 5 p.m. inside the Taste NY Pavillion. Must be 21 or older with valid ID to sample and purchase alcohol.
FRIDAY, JUNE 6
Best Bet
Belmont Gold Cup and Melbourne Cup:
Friday’s stakes action will include the Grade 2, $250,000 Belmont Gold Cup, which will be a ‘Golden Ticket’ event offering the winner an automatic berth into the Group 1, Lexus Melbourne Cup worth more than AUD $8 million. The continuing partnership between NYRA and the Victoria Racing Club will provide the winner of the Belmont Gold Cup, a two-mile test for older horses, a place in the starting gate for the Lexus Melbourne Cup, “the race that stops the nation” on November 4 at Flemington Racecourse in Victoria, Australia.
Fans will have the opportunity to take their photo with the 2025 Lexus Melbourne Cup trophy from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Jockey Silks Porch. The 18-carat trophy is created from 34 gold pieces, was hand-crafted for over 200 hours and is valued at AUD$600,000. The Melbourne Cup is awarded to the owner of the winning horse, and smaller replicas are given to the trainer and jockey.
Six Graded Stakes:
Friday will feature four Grade 1 events among six graded stakes topped by the $750,000 New York presented by Rivers Casino; the $500,000 Odgen Phipps presented by Ford, a “Win and You’re In” qualifier for the Breeders’ Cup Longines Distaff; the $500,000 DK Horse Acorn; and the $500,000 Just a Game presented by Resolute Racing. The Grade 2, $300,000 Bed o’ Roses and the Grade 2, $250,000 Belmont Gold Cup will round out stakes action on Friday.
Admission Gates and Post Time:
Admission gates open at 10 a.m. with the 14-race program getting underway at 11:40 a.m. Fans may carry food and non-alcoholic beverages onto the grounds in personal coolers. Fans are not permitted to carry alcohol into Saratoga Race Course on Friday or Saturday during the Belmont Stakes Festival.
Angelo Michael Mazzone:
Local opera tenor Angelo Mazzone, who has performed at Carnegie Hall, will sing the National Anthem to kick off the action and entertainment.
Opera Saratoga:
Opera Saratoga, founded in 1962 as Lake George Opera, will perform a pair of sets trackside during the afternoon, featuring Jarrett Porter (“She Loves Me”); Kate Morton (“Trip to Library”); Shavon Lloyd (“Ilona”) and Chrissy Price (“Ice Cream”). Opera Saratoga will celebrate its annual summer residency at Universal Preservation Hall during the latter half of June.
Complimentary Photo Magnets:
Fans can enjoy complimentary souvenir photo magnets featuring the backdrop of a Belmont Stakes floral wall at the Jockey Silks Porch from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Alcohol Beverage Samplings:
Fans can enjoy complimentary offerings from the official partners of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival from noon to 4 p.m., while supplies last. Samples of the Belmont Jewel made with Redemption Bourbon will be available outside the Jim Dandy Bar; Mionetto Prosecco outside the Mionetto Easy Goer; Mount Gay Rum Grapefruit Smash and Botanist Elderflower Gin Fizz outside the Miller Time Fourstardave Lounge; and the Casamigos Classic Margarita at the Casamigos Gazebo bar adjacent to the Walk of Fame. Must be 21 or older with valid ID.
Dunkin’ Samplings:
Complimentary samples of Dunkin’ beverages will be available outside Gates B and C beginning at 3 p.m. plus fans can win games and prizes at the Dunkin’ kiosk outside the Main Gate, while supplies last.
Taste NY Pavilion:
Food and beverages produced exclusively in New York State will be available for sampling and purchase from noon to 5 p.m. inside the Taste NY Pavillion. Must be 21 or older with valid ID to sample and purchase alcohol.
Purdy’s Summer Music Stage:
Local fan favorite The Garland Nelson Band will perform from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
SATURDAY, JUNE 7 (Belmont Stakes Day)
Best Bet
The Belmont Stakes, Presented by NYRA Bets:
Belmont Stakes Day returns to Saratoga with a program to include five Grade 1 events among eight stakes races in total, culminating with the 157th edition of the Grade 1, $2 million Belmont Stakes, presented by NYRA Bets, and featuring a pair of Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” qualifiers: the Grade 1, $1 million Hill ‘n’ Dale Metropolitan Handicap [Dirt Mile] and the Grade 1, $500,000 Jaipur [Turf Sprint]. The prestigious Grade 1 races on Belmont Stakes Day will include the $1 million Resorts World Casino Manhattan and the $500,000 Woody Stephens presented by Mohegan Sun. Belmont Stakes Day will be bolstered by the Grade 2, $300,000 Wonder Again; the Grade 3, $400,000 True North; and the Grade 3, $300,000 Pennine Ridge.
Admission Gates and Post Time:
Admission gates will open to the public at 9 a.m. with first post time for the 14-race Belmont Stakes Day program at 10:45 a.m. Fans may carry food and non-alcoholic beverages onto the grounds in personal coolers. Fans are not permitted to carry alcohol into Saratoga Race Course on Belmont Stakes Day.
The Belmont Stakes Racing Festival on FOX:
Live coverage gets underway on FS1 at 10:30 a.m. before moving to FOX from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Coverage of the Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets continues on FOX and FS1 from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. before concluding on FS1 at 8:15 p.m.
West Point Anthem Performance and Parachute Team Jump:
Staff Sergeant Phillip Morris and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point Band will perform “God Bless America” at 10:20 a.m., followed by the National Anthem at 3:40 p.m. Both performances will be accompanied by the West Point Color Guard. The West Point Parachute Team will perform a jump scheduled to take place at 2:05 p.m.
Photo Fashion Contest:
Fans can enter a Belmont Stakes photo fashion contest for a chance to win various prizes from Lifestyles of Saratoga, a women’s fashion boutique located in downtown Saratoga Springs, and Moet Hennessy. The contest will run from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Jockey Silks Porch.
Complimentary Photo Magnets:
Fans can enjoy complimentary souvenir photo magnets featuring the backdrop of a Belmont Stakes floral wall at the Jockey Silks Porch from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Bulleit Woody:
Fans can enjoy complimentary samplings of Bulleit Bourbon at the Bulleit Backyard Gazebo Bar from noon to 5 p.m., while supplies last. Must be 21 or older with valid ID.
Taste NY Pavilion:
The Taste NY Pavilion will operate exclusively as a bar on Belmont Stakes Day, featuring craft beers, wines, spirits and canned cocktails produced exclusively in New York State.
Purdy’s Summer Music Stage:
The Purdy’s Summer Music Stage will host live music from Nymbis who will perform from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Ill Funk from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
SUNDAY, JUNE 8
Best Bet
Belmont Stakes Racing Festival Collectible Pin:
The first 5,000 fans through the turnstiles with paid admission will receive a free Belmont Stakes Racing Festival enamel pin featuring the official Belmont Stakes logo.
Admission Gates and Post Time:
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with the 10-race program getting underway at 12:40 p.m. Carry-in policies with personal coolers will align with the traditional Saratoga summer meet.
Oklahoma Morning Training:
Fans can view morning training at the Oklahoma training track from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Pedestrians will be able to enter through Gate 21 on East Avenue (no vehicles allowed).
Soaring Softly:
Sunday’s racing will be headlined by the Grade 3, $175,000 Soaring Softly and supplemented by the $150,000 Jersey Girl.
Racing City Chorus:
The Racing City Chorus, a local chapter of the Barber Shop Harmony Society, will perform the National Anthem and a pair of live medleys trackside during the afternoon. Founded in 1956, the Saratoga Springs-based chorus performs at various community events throughout the year.
Taste NY Pavilion:
Complimentary samplings of food and beverages produced exclusively in New York State will be offered from noon to 5 p.m. inside the Taste NY Pavillion. Must be 21 or older with valid ID to sample and purchase alcohol.
All events and activities are subject to change at the discretion of NYRA.