New York Racing Association sets Belmont fall schedule

The Belmont fall meet will be held from Sept. 18 to Nov. 1, and will include 38 stakes worth $5.58 million, New York Racing Association officials announced on Aug. 19. 

It will feature 22 graded stakes, featuring seven Grade 1 events and seven Breeders' Cup "Win and You're In" qualifiers for the two-day Breeders' Cup 2020 World Championships, which will be held on Nov. 6 and 7 at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Ky.

Live racing would be conducted on Thursdays through Sundays at Belmont Park, with the exception of Columbus Day weekend, when live racing would instead be offered on Monday, Oct. 12 and would return on Friday, Oct. 16.

The fall meet has traditionally opened on the Friday following Labor Day, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, NYRA officials adjusted the fall schedule to add a one-week break following the conclusion of the summer meet at the Saratoga Race Course.

"This new fall schedule is the result of a collaborative effort between NYRA, the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association and the New York Thoroughbred Breeders to modify our racing calendar in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on the industry," NYRA President and CEO Dave O'Rourke said in a statement. "I'd like to thank the horsemen and breeders for their common-sense approach to solving the challenges brought about by this unprecedented public health crisis."

New York state currently requires all racetracks to operate without spectators in attendance to combat the spread of Covid-19. NYRA will issue updated guidance on health and safety protocols for jockeys, trainers and owners in the near future.

“America's Day at the Races” will also present daily television coverage of the Belmont Park fall meet with coverage on FOX Sports and MSG Networks.

Viewers could also bet on horses via NYRA Bets, the official wagering platform of Belmont Park. It is currently offering a $200 new member bonus in addition to special weekly offers. The NYRA Bets app is available for download on iOS and Android at www.NYRABets.com.