The Belmont Stakes Racing Festival is back—and for the second year in a row, it’s making Saratoga Race Course its home. From Wednesday, June 4 through Sunday, June 8, fans can expect a week of high-caliber racing, exclusive giveaways, live music, and community-focused events that blend the tradition of horse racing with modern entertainment.

This year’s festival includes a full schedule of races, morning workouts at the Oklahoma training track, and plenty of off-track attractions across Saratoga Springs. Tickets are available at BelmontStakes.com and at Stewart’s Shops, where fans can pick up a special 3-day pass for $99.

Here’s what’s happening throughout the week:

Wednesday, June 4 – New York Showcase Day

The opening day kicks off with New York Showcase Day, featuring six stakes races worth $200,000 each exclusively for New York-bred horses. Among the highlights: the Mike Lee and Bouwerie for sophomores; the Commentator and Critical Eye at nine furlongs; and the Kingston and Mount Vernon on turf.

Fans arriving early will receive a limited-edition “I Love NY-Breds” baseball cap, courtesy of New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (first 10,000 fans with paid admission). Gates open at 11 a.m. with the first post at 12:40 p.m.

The Beverly R. Steinman, a Grade 1 steeplechase, will also be part of the Wednesday card.

The day begins even earlier for horsemen, as the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) will host informal breakfasts from 6 to 9 a.m. through Friday at the Marylou Whitney Pavilion on the Oklahoma side. It’s an opportunity to learn about the TRF’s mission of racehorse aftercare and rehabilitation.

Off-track, Belmont on Broadway returns from 7–10 p.m. in downtown Saratoga Springs. The free concert features Grammy-nominated alt-rock band Gin Blossoms and The Uprooted Band, led by Michael Glabicki of Rusted Root.

Thursday, June 5 – Stakes Action and Revel at the Races

Four stakes races headline Thursday’s card, including the Grade 2 Intercontinental and Grade 3 Poker Stakes. Two-year-olds will shine in the Tremont and Astoria.

That night, Sports Illustrated presents “Revel at the Races,” a high-energy event featuring G-Eazy at The Night Owl in downtown Saratoga. The evening promises live music and premium hospitality. Tickets are available at BelmontStakes.com/Revel.

Guests can also enjoy a bit of racing history. A 1936 Ford Phaeton once owned by President Franklin D. Roosevelt will be on display courtesy of the Saratoga Automobile Museum. The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, just across Union Avenue, will also be celebrating its 75th anniversary with a special exhibit at the Walk of Fame.

Friday, June 6 – Melbourne Cup Connection and Six Graded Stakes

Friday offers one of the most exciting race days of the week, anchored by the Grade 2 Belmont Gold Cup. This two-mile marathon is a “Golden Ticket” event—its winner earns an automatic berth into the prestigious Group 1 Lexus Melbourne Cup in Australia.

Fans will even have a chance to take photos with the real Melbourne Cup trophy between 1:30 and 3 p.m. at the Jockey Silks Porch.

The day features six graded stakes, including four Grade 1 races:

  • $750,000 New York Stakes presented by Rivers Casino

  • $500,000 Ogden Phipps presented by Ford (a Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” qualifier)

  • $500,000 Acorn presented by DK Horse

  • $500,000 Just a Game presented by Resolute Racing

Also on the schedule: the Grade 2 Bed o’ Roses and the Grade 2 Belmont Gold Cup.

The 14-race card begins at 11:40 a.m., with gates opening at 10 a.m.

Adding to the atmosphere will be performances by Opera Saratoga and local opera tenor Angelo Michael Mazzone, who will sing the National Anthem. Complimentary souvenir photo magnets and beverage samplings from official partners (including Redemption Bourbon, Mionetto Prosecco, and Mount Gay Rum) will be available while supplies last.

Additional Experiences Throughout the Festival

  • Taste NY Pavilion (June 4–6, Noon–5 p.m.): Complimentary tastings of food and beverages produced in New York State, including offerings from local breweries, distilleries, and eateries. Must be 21+ to sample alcohol.

  • Casamigos Sampling Station: Try a complimentary Casamigos Classic Margarita and snap a photo at the gazebo bar near the Walk of Fame.

  • Oklahoma Training Track (June 4–6, 7–10 a.m.): Open to the public for morning workouts via Gate 21 (pedestrian access only).

Broadcast coverage of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival will once again be presented by FOX, offering nationwide access to live races and expert commentary throughout the week. For full broadcast schedules, visit BelmontStakes.com.

This year’s Belmont Stakes Racing Festival promises world-class racing with a strong Saratoga flavor—blending the best of tradition, competition, and community.

Information provided by the New York Racing Association (NYRA).