The Belmont Stakes is the big one. It’s the final leg of the Triple Crown, which includes the Kentucky Derby and Preakness. It’s so long and tough, it’s called the “Test of the Champion”.
In fact, the Belmont Stakes is the oldest and longest of the three races; it first ran in 1867. Only thirteen horses have ever won all three Triple Crown races in one year, partly because so few can handle the Belmont’s. Even the great Secretariat set a still-standing track record here in 1973.
In 2025, the Belmont Stakes will be run for the 157th time.
Only special horses can enter the Belmont Stakes. It is open only to three-year-old Thoroughbreds. That means every spring, a new group of young horses gets a shot at winning. Think of it like an once-in-a-lifetime chance: for example, of over 18,000 horses born in 2022, just one will be the 2025 Belmont. Both colts (male horses) and fillies (female horses) can compete, but it’s rare for a filly to win. Only three fillies have ever won the race (the last was Rags to Riches in 2007).
The 2025 Belmont Stakes will take place on Saturday, June 7, 2025. It usually happens three weeks after the Preakness, marking it as a late spring event. Normally, the race is held at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. However, in 2024 and 2025, the track will be undergoing renovation, so the Belmont will be held at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs. This charming town is about 40 miles north of Albany and is known as “The Spa” because of its natural mineral springs. During the Gilded Age, it became a popular summer getaway with bathhouses and pavilions. You can easily get there by car, plane, or Amtrak train from New York City or Montreal.
The Belmont Stakes is usually 1½ miles long (12 furlongs) on dirt. This distance tests the horses' endurance, as many get tired by the end. However, for 2024 and 2025, the race will be shortened to 1¼ miles (10 furlongs) at Saratoga because the track can’t accommodate the longer distance. This makes it the same length as the Kentucky Derby.
In the past, the race distance has changed for special reasons, like in 2020 when it was run at 1⅛ miles due to the pandemic. Racing at Saratoga is also tougher because it is known as the "Graveyard of Favorites," where unexpected outcomes often happen. For example, Man o’ War lost a race in 1919, and Secretariat was beaten in a non-Triple-Crown race there in 1973.
So, even if a horse wins the first two Triple Crown races, the Belmont can still surprise everyone.
The Belmont Stakes has a rich history in New York. The first race took place in 1867 at Jerome Park in the Bronx. It later moved to Morris Park and then to Belmont Park in Elmont in 1905. Belmont Park hosted many memorable racing moments over the years. The largest crowd was in 2004, with 120,139 fans hoping for a Triple Crown (but Smarty Jones was upset by Birdstone).
In 2024-25, the race will be held in Saratoga Springs for the second time ever. Despite the change of location, the Belmont Stakes will still offer a large prize of $2 million in 2025, making it a significant race for young horses.
The Belmont Stakes is part of a five-day racing festival at Saratoga from June 4 to June 8, 2025. Each day has several exciting races. On Wednesday, June 4, fans can watch important races like the Mike Lee and Mount Vernon Stakes, each worth $200,000 for 3-year-olds. On Friday, June 6, major races include the Grade I Belmont Gold Cup ($250,000, 2 miles on turf) and several Grade I races for fillies.
The highlight is Saturday, June 7. That day features the Wonder Again Stakes for fillies, the Woody Stephens (Grade I) for 3-year-olds at 7 furlongs, and the main event: the Belmont Stakes itself (Grade I, $2 million, 3-year-olds, 1¼ miles on dirt). It’s a busy day of racing, with the Belmont usually scheduled later in the afternoon. The week wraps up on Sunday, June 8, with more stakes races, providing fun for fans that stay all five days.
If you want to see the race in person, buy your tickets early. Belmont Stakes tickets sell out quickly because it's a popular event. In 2024, General Admission tickets for Belmont day (June 7) cost $75 for adults and $20 for kids (ages 4-12). Expect similar prices in 2025. Tickets for other days are cheaper—$30 for adults on Friday and $10 on other days, with free entry for kids 12 and under. You can also get reserved seats and special packages for a better experience. Remember, Saratoga is a small town, so hotels fill up fast. It’s a good idea to book your room or campsite early. A local guide even says, “lodging is booking up fast for this historic event.”
Parking at the track is very limited, so it's best to buy a parking pass ahead of time. If you don't, you might have to park far away. Some people avoid parking issues by taking the Amtrak train from New York City or Montreal to Saratoga Springs. If you can't go to the track, you can still watch the race at home. Fox Sports will broadcast the Belmont Stakes on TV (the race day is on FOX, with FS1/FS2 showing races all weekend).
The Belmont Stakes is a fun event; so many fans like to dress nicely. The dress code varies by seating: General Admission areas (like the Backyard or Apron) are casual, while reserved spots (Clubhouse, Box Seats, and Club Suites) are fancier. Here are some ideas:
Women often wear summer dresses or jumpsuits in bright colors. Think sundresses or nice tops with skirts. Since you’ll be walking a lot, choose comfortable shoes like sandals or flats; avoid high heels, especially on grass. Don’t forget sunglasses and a hat for sun protection. A stylish hat or fascinator is a tradition at big races! If you want to stand out, go for a bold print dress with a matching hat and accessories.
Men can keep it casual in most areas. Many wear short-sleeve button-down shirts or polos with chinos or shorts. A light blazer or suit jacket in linen or lightweight wool works well in nicer areas. Hats are optional but popular (a sun hat for General Admission, a fedora or Panama hat for the clubhouse). Keep in mind that Saratoga has a lot of grass and dirt, so flat shoes or low heels are best.
If you're in the Box Seats or Clubhouse, you might want to dress up more: stylish suits, crisp jackets, and elegant dresses are common. Women often wear fancier dresses with elaborate hats or fascinators. Men might add a tie or pocket square to their jacket for extra style. The key is to look neat and festive.
Remember, the Belmont Stakes is like a big party; feel free to show your personality with your outfit while staying comfortable for a long day.
There are several ways to enjoy the races at Saratoga:
General Admission (Backyard): This area is open for everyone on the clubhouse apron, backyard, and front side. Tickets are first-come, first-served, allowing you to watch the races from these spots. You can bring your lawn chairs or blankets. Many fans like to set up near the fence to see the horses.
In the backyard, you’ll find a mix of fans. Some sit at picnic tables, while others stand by the rails with binoculars. It’s a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere. Fun fact: About 700 picnic tables are available in the Backyard during Belmont week. These tables fill up quickly, so arrive early if you want one.
Reserved Picnic Tables: If you want a guaranteed spot, you can buy a picnic table pass. These tables are shaded with umbrellas or located in a large tent near the track. They often include a catered picnic meal. For example, a Festival Tent table comes with sandwiches, salad, and drinks for six people. These tables cost extra (around $1800 for both Friday and Saturday in 2024), but they include food and TVs to watch the races.
Regular Seats & Hospitality: There are also grandstand seats, club suites, and lawn seating in front of the clubhouse. You can reserve these in advance for an extra fee. Each option has its own vibe. For example, the Clubhouse Dining Room offers lunch buffets, and the 1863 Club has a full bar.
A fun part of the Belmont Stakes is enjoying picnic-style meals. At Saratoga, you can bring your food and small coolers into the backyard. You can bring non-alcoholic drinks and snacks every day. Pack sandwiches, fruits, snacks, and bottled water to enjoy between races. Just remember, coolers must be no bigger than 12″x18″, and you can only bring one cooler per person.
About alcohol: the rules change by season. During Belmont week 2025, outside alcohol is allowed only on Wednesday (June 4) and Sunday (June 8). From Thursday to Saturday, you can buy alcohol at Saratoga, but you can't bring your own. Also, coolers cannot have glass bottles. (Check the NYRA website for a full list of allowed items).
If you don’t want to pack food, you can buy it at the track. There are stands selling burgers, hot dogs, fries, and drinks. There’s also a new option called Picnic Bundles: pre-ordered boxes of food you can add to your ticket purchase. For example, a “Trackside Bundle” might include sandwiches, salad, chips, and bottled water for six people. Be sure to order by May 29 if you want this option.
The fenced picnic area has tables with big red-and-white canopies. Many families set up coolers and chairs around these tables, making it feel like a tailgate party in the park! Even if you don’t have a reserved table, you can bring chairs and coolers to any empty picnic table. Just be polite; if it’s crowded, others will need space too.
(For adults who can legally bet.) If you're new to horse racing, start with simple bets. A Win bet means you choose a horse to come in first. A Place bet wins if your horse finishes first or second. A Show bet pays if your horse is in the top three. These are called “straight bets” and are the easiest options. You can also bet "across the board," which means placing all three types of bets on one horse.
You can legally bet online from home in about 37 states (plus D.C.). This is done through an Advance Deposit Wagering (ADW) account. You simply sign up on a betting website or app add some money, and then you can bet on races anywhere. The official site for this race is NYRA Bets, which may offer signup bonuses or promotions. If you plan to bet, set up your account early, as it can take a day to process deposits.
If you want to try something more challenging, there are exotic bets (not for beginners). An exacta involves picking the top two finishers in order, while a trifecta requires choosing the top three. These bets pay out more money but are harder to win. Many fans enjoy trying these on big race days, but it's best to start with Win/Place/Show bets.
Experienced bettors pay attention to trends at Belmont. Here are some tips based on past races:
Luck and the skill of jockeys also matter. Check if a jockey or trainer has had success at Belmont or Saratoga. Track conditions, like whether it's dry or wet, can also impact how horses perform. There’s no sure way to win, but being careful and thoughtful usually leads to better results.
The Belmont Stakes is a fun event, not just a race. Here are some tips to make the most of your day:
Arrive Early: Belmont day is the best part of the five-day festival. Gates open early on Saturday, and many fans enjoy tailgating or picnicking before the races start. Getting there early helps with parking and finding a good spot on the lawn.
Sun Protection: June can be sunny in Saratoga. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
Stay Hydrated: You’ll need water while cheering and walking around. Bring refillable bottles or buy water at the track. Remember, coolers and non-alcoholic drinks are allowed.
Join the Festival: There are many Belmont-themed events in Saratoga Springs. For example, “Belmont on Broadway” is a free street party with live music and games before the race. In 2025, it’s on Wednesday, June 4. Check local listings for more events like parades and contests.
Shopping and Dining: Saratoga Springs is a charming small city. After or before the races, you can walk into town for ice cream, local beers, or dinner. The area has great farm-to-table restaurants, craft breweries, and unique shops. Families can also visit nearby farms that offer lemonade and cider.
Learn and Participate: Even if you don’t bet real money, make it fun! Have friendly bets with family on who will win or pick horses to see whose choices do best. You can buy an official race program to learn about the horses and jockeys.
Enjoy the Crowd: Feel the excitement when the horses come around the final turn. If possible, get close to the track rail for a better view. The announcer will call the race, and kids love watching from the rail to feel the thundering hooves.
Stay Safe: Keep an eye on your group in large crowds. Choose a meeting spot in case someone gets lost. Saratoga Police and track security are available throughout the festival.
Most importantly, have fun! The Belmont Stakes is a lively American tradition. Even if you're new to horse racing, you'll leave with great memories and a better understanding of this exciting sport.
The Belmont Stakes is more than a horse race; it’s an exciting event with a rich history. Whether you’re a long-time fan or visiting for the first time, the 2025 Belmont Stakes at Saratoga will offer thrilling experiences and memorable moments. With top horses, stylish crowds, and a friendly atmosphere, this summer event is a must-see. Plan ahead, dress well, and get ready to enjoy the “Test of the Champion” like never before.
The 2025 Belmont Stakes is on Saturday, June 7, at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York.
It’s called the “Test of the Champion” because it tests the stamina and heart of every horse in the Triple Crown.
Yes, anyone can attend, but tickets sell out quickly. There are options for General Admission and reserved seating for all fans.
The 2025 race will be 1¼ miles (10 furlongs) long because of track limits at Saratoga. This is shorter than the usual 1½ miles at Belmont Park.
Yes! Fans can bring their own food or buy from vendors. There are also reserved picnic tables and pre-ordered food bundles available.
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