Belmont Stakes Day 2026

About this event

The 158th running of the Grade 1, $2,000,000 Belmont Stakes headlines an expansive Saturday card featuring 14 total races, including 7 elite graded stakes events. This marks the final year the festival will be hosted at Saratoga before returning to a newly renovated Belmont Park in 2027.

Experience world-class thoroughbred racing, live entertainment, and a legendary day of sports history. General admission tickets remain available for $75.

Race Schedule Summary

The day features a continuous 14-race program, showcasing top-tier thoroughbreds from morning until evening.

• 8:00 AM: Parking Gates Open
• 9:00 AM: Admission Gates Open
• 11:00 AM: Live racing begins with the day's opening undercard races.
• 7:04 PM: The headline event—The 158th Belmont Stakes (Grade 1).
• 8:02 PM: The final race of the card concludes the festival.

The 158th Belmont Stakes Official Field

Listed in numerical order by official track post position.

1. Vitruvian Man (Jockey: Antonio Fresu / Trainer: Doug O'Neill)
2. Powershift (Jockey: Luis Saez / Trainer: Todd Pletcher)
3. Chief Wallabee (Jockey: Junior Alvarado / Trainer: Bill Mott)
4. Renegade (Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr. / Trainer: Todd Pletcher)
5. Ottinho (Jockey: Dylan Davis / Trainer: Chad Brown)
6. Growth Equity (Jockey: Manny Franco / Trainer: Chad Brown)
7. Commandment (Jockey: John Velazquez / Trainer: Brad Cox)
8. Emerging Market (Jockey: Flavien Prat / Trainer: Chad Brown)
9. Golden Tempo (Jockey: Jose Ortiz / Trainer: Cherie DeVaux)

Important Venue Rules and Guest Policies

Venue Entrances

• Gate A and Gate B: Located on Union Avenue.
• Gate C: Located on Nelson Avenue.
• Note: A strict no re-entry policy is in effect for the entire duration of Saturday's event.

Approved Items

• Coolers: Limited to one per guest, maximum dimensions of 12" x 18". All ice must be contained separately in plastic bags. Medical supplies are exempt from size restrictions.
• Bags: Purses, totes, and small bags are permitted up to 16" x 16" x 8".
• Seating: One folding chair is permitted per ticket holder.
• Backyard Picnic Tables: Available to ticket holders on a first-come, first-served basis starting at the 9:00 AM gate opening.

Prohibited Items

• Traditional large backpacks or duffel bags exceeding size limits.
• Outside alcohol and glass containers of any kind.
• Temporary furniture, including pop-up tents, folding tables, wagons, and handcarts.
• Grills, large umbrellas, weapons, fireworks, and confetti.

Payments and Wagering

• Cashless Policy: Saratoga operates entirely cashless for all non-wagering purchases including food, beverages, admission, and merchandise. Credit cards, debit cards, and mobile wallets (such as Apple Pay) are accepted.
• Wagering: On-track betting with live tellers requires physical cash. Reverse ATMs are located throughout the facility to convert cash into debit cards for food and vendor purchases if necessary.