Summary (tl;dr)

The 2026 Belmont Stakes, the final leg of thoroughbred horse racing's prestigious Triple Crown, is currently trending as it is being held today, June 6, 2026, at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York, for the third and final time due to ongoing renovations at Belmont Park.

Essential Background

The Belmont Stakes is an American Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds, traditionally known as "The Test of the Champion" and the third jewel of horse racing's Triple Crown. It usually takes place at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, and typically covers a distance of 1 1/2 miles. The race is a highly anticipated event, drawing significant viewership and attendance, and historically follows the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes.

The Full Story

The 2026 Belmont Stakes is scheduled for today, Saturday, June 6, 2026, with live coverage and the main race's post time set for approximately 7:04 p.m. ET. For the third consecutive year, the event is being hosted at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York, rather than its traditional venue, Belmont Park. This temporary relocation is due to a major renovation project at Belmont Park, which is expected to reopen in the fall of 2026, with the Belmont Stakes returning there in 2027.

Because of the track configuration at Saratoga, the race distance has been adjusted to 1 1/4 miles, shorter than the customary 1 1/2 miles at Belmont Park. The field for this year's race features nine horses, including Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo. However, there will be no Triple Crown winner this year as Golden Tempo skipped the Preakness Stakes. Renegade, the Kentucky Derby runner-up, has been named the morning-line favorite for the Belmont Stakes. Recent withdrawals include Potente, Chip Honcho, and So Happy, which have altered the betting landscape for the race.

Why It Matters

The Belmont Stakes 2026 is trending due to its status as a premier event in horse racing, attracting considerable public interest, especially as it marks the final running at Saratoga Race Course before its anticipated return to the renovated Belmont Park in 2027. The presence of Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo and the highly competitive field, despite no Triple Crown on the line, creates significant excitement for horse racing fans and bettors. The temporary change in venue and race distance also adds a unique dynamic to this year's event, leading to discussions about strategy and potential outcomes.

Geographic Location

• Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, Saratoga County, New York, United States (hosting the 2026 Belmont Stakes)
• Belmont Park, Elmont, Nassau County, New York, United States (traditional home of the Belmont Stakes, currently undergoing renovation)