The new Belmont Park has only been open a few weeks: a five-story grandstand, an open infield and four fresh racetracks just past the Queens border. Saturday's card is built around next year's stars, with the Champagne and Frizette for 2-year-olds plus the Pilgrim, Miss Grillo, Futurity and Matron, four of them paying Breeders' Cup berths. If you've never been to the races, a $10 gate ticket for a Grade 1 day in a brand-new building is the easiest introduction.
What to expect
Racing runs through the afternoon, with the stakes clustered late in the card. You can watch from the new grandstand apron, walk the paddock as horses are saddled, or head to the reopened infield green space between races.
Good to know
- Advance general admission is cheaper than buying at the gate.
- The LIRR's Elmont–UBS Arena station is the closest rail stop; the park is also a short drive from the Cross Island Parkway.
- The big stakes run late in the afternoon, so you can arrive after lunch and still see them.
- Bring a light jacket; the apron is open to the wind.
- Kids are welcome, and the new infield gives them room to run between races.
Going? Keep it.
Common questions
Is Belmont Park in New York City?
It sits in Elmont, just over the Queens border in Nassau County. Since its 2026 reopening, all of NYRA's downstate racing is consolidated there, so there is no thoroughbred racing inside the five boroughs.
What are the feature races?
The Grade 1, $500,000 Champagne and Grade 1, $500,000 Frizette, plus the Pilgrim, Miss Grillo, Futurity and Matron stakes.
How much does it cost to get in?
General admission is $7 in advance and $10 on the day, including a program.