The third jewel in horse racing’s Triple Crown is about for Saturday, June 8, wrapping up an thrilling 5 weeks when the game takes heart stage in American tradition.
The 156th Belmont Stakes Offered by NYRA Bets received’t be held at its regular venue this 12 months, nevertheless, as Belmont Park on Lengthy Island, N.Y., undergoes a large reconstruction venture that isn’t scheduled to be accomplished till fall 2025.
As an alternative, the historic Belmont Stakes will likely be held at an equally historic observe – picturesque Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. The upstate New York venue is thought for its implausible summer time meet that runs from mid-July to Labor Day every year, and that’s solely six weeks away. However “the Spa” may even host a four-day Belmont Stakes Racing Pageant from June 6-9 that includes not solely the Belmont Stakes however a number of different vital races.
Followers will descend on Saratoga Springs en masse subsequent week – and in case you’re amongst them, right here’s what it’s essential to know earlier than you make the journey to attend what guarantees to be one of many highlights of the 2024 racing calendar.
Potential Rematch of Derby, Preakness Winners
As of Could 30, upset Preakness Stakes winner Seize the Gray is confirmed to start out within the Belmont Stakes, whereas coach Ken McPeek mentioned that he would decide as as to if Kentucky Derby Offered 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 likely one of the most prestigious races within the sport and is especially prized by house owners who wish to construct up a horse’s credentials as a potential stallion. This 12 months’s Met Mile is anticipated to function final 12 months’s Longines Breeders’ Cup Basic winner White Abarrio and Nationwide Treasure, winner of the Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes Offered by Baccarat in January. The Met Mile, the Ogden Phipps Stakes Offered by Ford, and the Jaipur Stakes Offered 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.
Methods 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 by way of 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 massively common and the tables are coveted by followers who snag them on a first-come, first-serve foundation, so if you’d like one it’s suggested to get to the observe effectively 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 upfront, however further parking will likely be bought on a first-come, first-serve foundation. Entry a map of Saratoga Race Course right here.
The free CDTA Saratoga Summer time Trolley will likely 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 live shows at Saratoga as in regular years when the race is hosted at Belmont Park, however there’s 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 common 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 fans for having a number of the best food and drinks institutions of any metropolis/city with a racetrack. Try our information to basic eating institutions and our rundown of bars and breweries to go to.
Ticket Data
Common 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.
Maintain Money on Hand, however Only for Betting
The 2024 Belmont Stakes Racing Pageant will likely be cashless for a lot of purchases, together with meals and beverage service, admissions, and parking. Credit score and debit playing cards will likely be accepted.
Then again, inserting a guess on-track, both with a mutuel clerk or utilizing a self-service machine, is cash-only. Followers may guess on-line by way of 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 constituted of 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 Carry
Earlier than you head to the Belmont Stakes Pageant at Saratoga, it’s vital to know what you may and may’t deliver to the observe. Folding chairs and coolers no bigger than 12” x 18” containing meals and non-alcoholic drinks (restrict one every per grownup) are permitted consistent with Saratoga custom. Exterior alcoholic drinks, umbrellas, and tents are amongst prohibited gadgets.
See the total listing of allowed and prohibited gadgets right here.
