Race fans can "expect a different look" for the 156th running of the race it were held at Saratoga Race CourseGetty Images
Saratoga Race Course is "now the preferred venue" for the 2024 Belmont Stakes with a "final, formal decision expected by November," according to Patrick Tine of the Albany TIMES-UNION. A multiyear construction project at Belmont Park means the Belmont Stakes "need to be held at an alternate venue." NYRA previously said that the 2025 Belmont Stakes would be held at Saratoga if the $455M construction project at Belmont "was still in progress." That is "still NYRA’s preference." Tine noted temporarily changing the location of the Belmont Stakes "would require the approval of the New York State Gaming Commission." Race fans can "expect a different look" for the 156th running of the race it were held at Saratoga. It is "most likely a Belmont-at-Saratoga race would be run at 1¼ miles instead of the traditional 1½ because of the dimensions of the track at Saratoga Race Course" (Albany TIMES-UNION, 9/6). NYRA President & CEO Dave O’Rourke said, "Ideally, the ’26 Belmont Stakes will be at Belmont. The building might not be completely fitted out, but the tracks will be way ahead of schedule.” DAILY RACING FORM's David Grening noted the construction project calls for the current grandstand to be "knocked down and a new, smaller one built" (DAILY RACING FORM, 9/4).
