Belmont Park reopens following major renovations

Belmont Park is set to reopen for its first live racing season since the spring of 2023 on Friday, Sept. 18. The facility has undergone a three-year development project supported by $455 million from New York State and $100 million from the New York Racing Association (NYRA).

The modernized racetrack features a new four-course layout, including the signature 1.5-mile dirt track, two turf courses, and a new one-mile Tapeta all-weather inner track. The opening day program is headlined by the $1 million, Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup.

Beyond the racing surface, NYRA has implemented significant upgrades to the backstretch facilities to improve the quality of life for the hundreds of workers living on-site. These improvements include new barns, upgraded dormitories, a track kitchen, a recreation hall, a gymnasium, and enhanced security and connectivity systems. Glen Kozak, NYRA’s executive vice president of operations and capital projects, noted that these upgrades are intended to support the employees who care for the horses and maintain operations.