The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) has announced a comprehensive schedule for the summer of 2026 at the Saratoga Race Course, featuring a total of 51 racing days. This summer meet will commence with the inaugural July 4th Racing Festival, running from July 3 to July 5, having first been held last year.
Details of the 2026 Racing Schedule
The schedule for 2026 will include a series of four-day racing weeks, taking place from Thursday to Sunday starting on July 9 and continuing until July 26. Following this period, the meet will revert to the traditional five-day racing week, resuming on July 29. The summer meet will conclude with a six-day closing week from September 2 through Labor Day on September 7.
NYRA President & CEO David O’Rourke expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming season, stating, “Each summer, Saratoga Race Course stands at the center of the racing world. The 2026 season will be particularly special as we celebrate the final Saratoga edition of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival and honor America’s 250th anniversary at one of the country’s most historic sporting venues.”
As part of the adjustments, 2026 will mark the last year that Saratoga serves as a temporary host for the Belmont Stakes and the July 4th festivals. Starting in 2027, these events will return to their traditional venue at Belmont Park.
Impact on Local Community and Future Plans
Todd Shimkus, President of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the economic benefits these festivals bring to the community. He noted that events like the Belmont Stakes and July 4th celebrations contribute significantly to local revenue, benefiting hotels, restaurants, and shops across the area. In 2025, these festivals drove up business, and similar outcomes are anticipated for their final year at Saratoga.
With the newly renovated Belmont Park set to reopen in September 2026, NYRA is also looking ahead to a more stable racing schedule. Plans for 2027 include a return to the traditional 40-day summer meet at Saratoga, along with Belmont Park hosting the 2027 Breeders’ Cup World Championships on October 29 and 30 of that year.
In addition to the summer schedule, NYRA announced a multi-year agreement with the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA) and New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB). This agreement aims to enhance racing opportunities and provide participants with more certainty as Belmont Park undergoes its transformation.
NYRA Senior Vice President of Racing and Operations Andrew Offerman remarked, “NYRA has arrived at a schedule for the next two years that provides continuity in 2026 and significantly expands racing opportunities in 2027.” This two-year plan reflects an investment in a revitalized winter racing product at Belmont Park.
As part of this initiative, NYRA will accelerate purse increases for all New York-bred overnight races, bringing forward the originally planned increases from January 2027 to September 2026. This is expected to greatly benefit the breeding and racing industries in New York, reinforcing the state’s position as a leader in regional horse racing.
Najja Thompson, Executive Director of NYTB, stated, “The significant increase in purses for all New York-breds with the reopening of Belmont Park will be enormously beneficial for breeding and racing in New York.”
The 2026 winter meet at Aqueduct will commence on January 1 and will continue until March 30, featuring 45 live race days. The spring meet will begin on April 2 and run through April 26, while the Belmont at the Big A spring/summer meet will take place from April 30 to June 28.
NYRA plans to honor the legacy of Aqueduct throughout 2026, culminating in a series of events before the final meet ends in June. Following the summer meet at Saratoga, the new Belmont Park, featuring advanced facilities and a range of racing surfaces, will be unveiled when live racing returns in September.
For a complete calendar of live race dates, pending approval from the New York State Gaming Commission, visit the NYRA website.
