Breeders' Cup Returns to New York in 2027 Following Belmont Park Renovation

The Breeders' Cup world championships are set to make a grand return to New York in 2027, hosted at the revitalized Belmont Park. This comes after a significant $455 million renovation aimed at enhancing one of the nation’s premier horse racing venues.

On Wednesday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, alongside officials from the Breeders' Cup and the New York Racing Association (NYRA), confirmed that the prestigious event will occur in the fall of 2027 at the track located on the border of Queens and Nassau County.

“We wrote the Governor of New York a letter in 2023 that simply said, 'If you build it, we will come,'” stated Drew Fleming, President and CEO of Breeders' Cup Limited, during a phone interview with The Associated Press. “We’re honored to fulfill that promise and showcase the new developments at Belmont Park to our global fans.”

Meanwhile, Keeneland in Lexington has been designated as the host for the 2026 event.

Belmont Park last hosted the Breeders' Cup in 2005, marking its fourth time since 1990. The recent renovation was strategically planned with the goal of attracting this major event back to New York.

“It was always part of the plan: We weren't going to redevelop Belmont Park without Breeders' Cup in mind,” NYRA President and CEO David O'Rourke explained to the AP. “Bringing the championships back to New York is economically significant and provides our trainers and horsemen a chance to compete on their home turf. It’s been over 20 years.”

Governor Hochul emphasized that this redevelopment is expected to create thousands of jobs and generate $1 billion in long-term economic activity for Long Island. “Thanks to our investments at Belmont Park, the long-held dream of bringing the prestigious Breeders' Cup back to New York will soon be a reality,” she remarked.

Since 2008, the Breeders' Cup has been held at tracks in Kentucky or California, with Del Mar hosting it this year for the fourth time since 2017.

Regular venues like Santa Anita, Keeneland, and Churchill Downs have become synonymous with this two-day festival featuring elite thoroughbreds and multi-million dollar races. The event is shifting back to the Eastern time zone for the next two years.

“California has always been a wonderful spot for the Breeders' Cup,” Fleming noted. “However, one of our missions is to grow the sport by hosting championships at various venues across the U.S. We anticipate this event will generate $100 million for New York's economy.”

While NYRA has yet to announce a location for the 2026 Belmont Stakes, it is expected to return to Belmont Park by 2027 at the latest after a temporary relocation to historic Saratoga Race Course during renovations.

With the Belmont Stakes returning to its original venue, there’s potential for Belmont Park—home to legends like Secretariat and Seattle Slew—to regain its status as a regular host for major events.

“The best part about working for the Breeders' Cup is that nothing is off the table,” Fleming added. “New York City offers some of the finest accommodations and entertainment globally, making it a natural fit for frequent events at Belmont Park.”