The New York Racing Association has most recently announced its decision to move the 2024 Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Race Course. This change comes in connection with NYRA’s upcoming renovations worth US$455 at its Belmont Park in Long Island. However, the race will be run at a distance of 1 ¼ miles, instead of its usual 1 ½ miles.
Earlier this year, the Empire State approved NYRA’s request for US$455 million for the renovation of Belmont Park. It features developing new modern amenities and hospitality offerings as well as a larger infield connected via underground pedestrian tunnels which will allow more attendees. It is predicted that the plan would bring US$1B in local economic benefit.
New Location in 2024
NYRA president and CEO David O’Rourke shared that for the ability to host Belmont Stakes at Saratoga, several factors and circumstances would need to come into alignment. He added it is one of the most historic venues in the country, combined with one of the coolest sporting events, which is a massive tourist attraction in the country and everyone is excited about it.
The temporary relocation of the stakes from Belmont to Saratoga is the first time but it probably will not be the last one. Mr. O’Rourke explained that it may take a while for the association to finish the renovations at the track. Meaning that the event could stay at Saratoga Race Course for the 2025 season. But it remains to be seen whether this would be the case.
By receiving approval from the North American Graded Stakes Committee, the Belmont Stakes will be contested at a shorter distance of 1 ¼ miles, instead of the traditional 1 ½ miles. This is due to the shape of the dirt track at Saratoga Race Course. Meanwhile, purses will be boosted to US$2 million and the race will be held a month before the usual summer meet that starts in July.
In a statement from Gov. Kathy Hochul confirming the move of the race to Saratoga, she said it is a win for horse racing and for the Capital Region to have the excitement and the ability to host the four-day festival at the historic track. The four-day meet will run from June 6, 2024, to June 9, 2024, and will feature 23 stakes races with combined purses of over US$9.7 million.
NYRA’s project to make some renovations at Belmont Park was heavily reliant on the approval of the borrowing from the Empire State, which the associations received in May 2023. However, Gov. Hochul said there is a condition for the signing of the loan, as she wanted the organization to meet certain job criteria before giving her approval.
We Are NY Horse Racing Gave its Blessing
The renovation plan was also supported by We Are NY Horse Racing which is a coalition of representatives of the horse racing industry including NYRA and many more. In addition to that, the Business Council of New York State has also voiced its support for the project. The two believe that the overhaul of the track will provide obvious economic benefits for the industry.
Source: “Belmont Stakes to be held at Saratoga, shortened in 2024” TSN, December 6, 2023
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