The third jewel in horse racing’s Triple Crown is ready for Saturday, June 8, wrapping up an thrilling 5 weeks when the game takes heart stage in American tradition.
The 156th Belmont Stakes Introduced by NYRA Bets received’t be held at its regular venue this 12 months, nevertheless, as Belmont Park on Lengthy Island, N.Y., undergoes an enormous reconstruction mission that isn’t scheduled to be accomplished till fall 2025.
As a substitute, the historic Belmont Stakes might be held at an equally historic monitor – picturesque Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. The upstate New York venue is understood for its improbable summer time meet that runs from mid-July to Labor Day every year, and that’s solely six weeks away. However “the Spa” may also host a four-day Belmont Stakes Racing Pageant from June 6-9 that includes not solely the Belmont Stakes however a number of different necessary races.
Followers will descend on Saratoga Springs en masse subsequent week – and in the event you’re amongst them, right here’s what you have to know earlier than you make the journey to attend what guarantees to be one of many highlights of the 2024 racing calendar.
Attainable Rematch of Derby, Preakness Winners
As of Might 30, upset Preakness Stakes winner Seize the Gray is confirmed to begin within the Belmont Stakes, whereas coach Ken McPeek mentioned that he would decide as as to if Kentucky Derby Introduced by Woodford Reserve winner and Preakness Stakes runner-up Mystik Dan would begin within the Belmont over the weekend of June 2-3. Different possible contenders for Belmont 156 embody Kentucky Derby runner-up Sierra Leone and Preakness fourth-place finisher Tuscan Gold.
Star Energy on Show in Undercard Races
The Hill ‘n’ Dale Metropolitan Handicap on the June 8 Belmont Stakes undercard – aka the “Met Mile” – is without doubt one of the most prestigious races within the sport and is especially prized by homeowners who wish to construct up a horse’s credentials as a potential stallion. This 12 months’s Met Mile is anticipated to characteristic final 12 months’s Longines Breeders’ Cup Traditional winner White Abarrio and Nationwide Treasure, winner of the Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes Introduced by Baccarat in January. The Met Mile, the Ogden Phipps Stakes Introduced by Ford, and the Jaipur Stakes Introduced by Resolute Racing additionally on June 8 are “Win and You’re In” qualifiers for the Breeders’ Cup in November at Del Mar, providing the winners fees-paid berths to World Championship races.
The right way to Get to the Monitor, When It Opens, and Transportation/Parking
Saratoga Race Course is situated at 267 Union Ave., east of downtown and accessible to these coming from out of city through I-87. Admission gates open at 9 a.m. ET on Belmont Stakes day, June 8, at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 7, and at 11 a.m. on each Thursday, June 6, and Sunday, June 9.
The yard picnic desk space at Saratoga is vastly in style and the tables are coveted by followers who snag them on a first-come, first-serve foundation, so if you need one it’s suggested to get to the monitor properly earlier than the gates open to safe a spot in line.
Parking gates will open one hour earlier than the admission gates every day. The New York Racing Affiliation strongly recommends buying parking on-line prematurely, however further parking might be bought on a first-come, first-serve foundation. Entry a map of Saratoga Race Course right here.
The free CDTA Saratoga Summer season Trolley might be operational every day of the Belmont Stakes Pageant, transporting followers between downtown Saratoga Springs and the racetrack. View a route map right here.
Leisure Choices for Belmont Week
There received’t be any concert events at Saratoga as in regular years when the race is hosted at Belmont Park, however there may be an abundance of actions scheduled for the week of the Belmont Stakes Pageant in and round Saratoga Springs. The Nationwide Museum of Racing and Corridor of Fame, which is situated proper subsequent to the racetrack, has a enjoyable and academic roster of occasions deliberate, and in style roots rock band Blues Traveler will play a free live performance in downtown Saratoga Springs on Wednesday, June 5.
Apart from particular occasions, Saratoga Springs is famend amongst racing lovers for having among the most interesting foods and drinks institutions of any metropolis/city with a racetrack. Take a look at our information to traditional eating institutions and our rundown of bars and breweries to go to.
Ticket Info
Normal admission and premium hospitality tickets are bought out for Belmont Stakes day, June 8, however are nonetheless out there for the opposite three days. Buy them right here. A restricted variety of premium VIP packages for Belmont Stakes day can be found right here.
Hold Money on Hand, however Only for Betting
The 2024 Belmont Stakes Racing Pageant might be cashless for a lot of purchases, together with meals and beverage service, admissions, and parking. Credit score and debit playing cards might be accepted.
Alternatively, putting a guess on-track, both with a mutuel clerk or utilizing a self-service machine, is cash-only. Followers also can guess on-line through NYRA Bets – arrange an account right here and obtain a bonus in case you are a brand new member.
Strive the Belmont Jewel
Just like the Kentucky Derby’s Mint Julep and the Preakness’s Black-Eyed Susan cocktails, the Belmont Stakes has its personal signature drink, the Belmont Jewel. It’s created from straight bourbon whiskey, lemonade, pomegranate juice, and lemon twist for garnish. It’s a good way to benefit from the day.
Know What You Can and Can’t Deliver
Earlier than you head to the Belmont Stakes Pageant at Saratoga, it’s necessary to know what you possibly can and may’t convey to the monitor. Folding chairs and coolers no bigger than 12” x 18” containing meals and non-alcoholic drinks (restrict one every per grownup) are permitted in step with Saratoga custom. Exterior alcoholic drinks, umbrellas, and tents are amongst prohibited gadgets.
See the complete checklist of allowed and prohibited gadgets right here.
