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The New York Racing Association (NYRA) has announced the schedule for the 2026 season at Saratoga Race Course, featuring a record 51 days of racing. The season kicks off with the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, running from June 3 to June 7, marking the third and final time the festival will be held at Saratoga due to ongoing construction at Belmont Park. The highlight of the festival will be the 158th running of the Grade 1, $2 million Belmont Stakes on June 6.
After a brief break, the summer meet at Saratoga will resume on July 3, running through September 7. This 46-day meet will open with the July 4th Racing Festival, held at Saratoga for the second time since its introduction in 2025. The summer schedule will include a series of four-day racing weeks from July 9 to July 26, before returning to a five-day racing week from July 29.
NYRA President and CEO David O’Rourke expressed excitement for the 2026 season, highlighting the significance of hosting the Belmont Stakes and July 4th Festivals at Saratoga. He noted that the 2026 season will also celebrate America’s 250th anniversary at one of the country's most historic sporting venues.
Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce President Todd Shimkus emphasized the economic benefits these events bring to the local community, boosting revenue for hotels, restaurants, and shops. The 2026 season marks the final year of schedule adjustments at Saratoga, with Belmont Park set to reopen in September and resume hosting the Belmont Stakes and July 4th Festivals in 2027.
For more details on the schedule and updates, visit NYRA's official website.
